Abstract:

Bases of Research: Some village plays in Turkey are based on animal imitations. These village plays are played by both imitating animals and symbolizing animals by diverse figures. There exist plenty of village plays related to animal imitations, like camel, fox and stork plays. Examination of this plays formed as a result of relationships between human and nature and also played at certain times of the year for fun is important for follow up stages of formation and development of the Turkish folk theater. Purpose of Research: The purpose of this study is to determine playing time, playing reasons, structure and functions of village plays based on animal imitations in Balıkesir, like camel game and “tülü kabak”. Source of Data: Knowledges collected about village plays based on animal imitations in Balıkesir and its surrounding. Main Discussion: What are the village plays based on animal imitations in Balıkesir and its surrounding? What are playing times, reasons and function of the village plays? Results: As camel, “tülü kabak” horse, bear and pig plays, some village plays based on animal imitations are played at present time in Balıkesir. Among this plays have been subject both wild and domesticated animals, camel and “tülü kabak” plays are more popular. Also plays are played in order to spend time and entertain largely in the winter mounths, at meetings called “Barana” or “Söbbet”

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