Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Vocational School of Samsun (MYO) organized a program titled “The legacy of Dede Korkut and Turkish cultural codes”, focusing on the heritage of Dede Korkut—one of the cornerstones of Turkish culture—and the essential codes of Turkish civilization.
The event, held at OMU Stage, was attended by academics, administrative staff, students, and numerous guests. The opening speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Kaya Tuncer Çağlayan, Director of the Vocational School of Samsun.
Prof. Dr. Çağlayan greeted the guests and students, stating, “Today, we will learn—both theoretically and through experience—the principle expressed by Atatürk in his Tenth Anniversary Speech: ‘The foundation of the Republic of Türkiye is the heroism and high culture of the Turkish nation.’ The Turkish nation has carried its core values from its ancestors to the present through oral culture. In this event, Prof. Dr. Bekir Şişman will analyze the stories of Dede Korkut, the master of Turkish minstrels, while Âşık Yavuz will bring Dede Korkut to life through his songs.”
In his address, Prof. Dr. Bekir Şişman stated: “The stories in The Book of Dede Korkut provide us with clear insights into the social life of the Oghuz Turks a thousand years ago—their conquests, struggles against enemies, family life, child-rearing practices, religious and moral values, love for the homeland, understanding of honor, and the value they placed on guests and artists. The Book of Dede Korkut is the collective memory, common heritage, shared wisdom, and culture of this nation. Those who read Dede Korkut cannot be divisive or destructive, cannot harbor hostility toward religion or the state, and cannot turn their backs on the nation’s values and beliefs.”
Prof. Dr. Şişman continued: “In The Book of Dede Korkut, there are references to Oghuz traditions of birth, marriage, and death; the disasters brought by lying or drunkenness; and virtues such as heroism, bravery, self-sacrifice, honesty, and moral integrity. Each story begins with a bismillah, and the prologue contains numerous wise sayings and proverbs. Some of these are as follows:
‘A son blessed by fortune keeps the hearth burning. What can a son do if his father dies and no wealth remains? Of what use is a father’s wealth if there is no blessing in life? Old cotton cannot become cloth again, nor can an old enemy become a friend. A girl who does not learn from her mother will not heed advice; a son who does not learn from his father will not serve the table. In those days, a child did not disobey his father; if he did, he was no longer considered a son. The prayers of the nobles were blessings, and their curses were curses indeed. It is better for a house without guests to collapse. Unless fate is written, no calamity will befall a person; no one dies before their destined time. God Almighty does not love the arrogant. The rights of parents are the rights of God. A son does not extend his hand in the presence of his father. One should not draw a sword against someone holding a lute. Honor is dearer than life.’”
In the second part of the program, Âşık Yavuz (Ramazan Yavuzarslan), one of the contemporary representatives of the Dede Korkut legacy and the minstrel tradition, performed three deyiş (folk poems) belonging to this cultural heritage.
The program, which attracted great interest from faculty members, students, and guests, concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the speakers.
LISTEN