Author(s): Mehmet MANDALOÄLU
Turks before Islam were considered sacred in some animals. Turks at the beginning of the animals they care about is the wolf. After the wolf the second place takes the deer. The deer is an animal that can change color quickly. In addition deer, observed as an important element of the totem in Turks. Therefore, some researchers have stated that they were totemic Turks. Except wolves and deer; horses, sheep, eagles, turtles are important also Turks. The motif of deer which is an element of mythological is a cultural heritage that moved from Central Asia to Anatolia as a result of migration. The Legend of Fallow Deer are described in Anatolia, is one of the most important epics. Other legend in Anatolia is Geyikli Baba Legend. Cibilli Dede Legend which described in Ankara-Çaml?dere can be added these narratives. Deer motifs are mostly concentrated around the tombs and shrines, religious identity than the mythological element. There are deer antlers on the walls of some houses and tombs. This situation relates to defense against magic and consideration. The motif of deer can be seen in art and architecture.
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