Abstract
Designation of the Püse (Kara Hekim) in the Folklore of Mersin
Mersin is surrounded by Adana in the east, Konya and Karaman in the north, Antalya in the west and the Mediterranean coast in the south. The residents of Mersin are mostly composed of Sarıkeçili, Karakeçili, Boynu Inceli, Ceritli, Avşar, Menemenci and Tekeli Turkmens. For this reason, Mersin is a settlement having similar cultural values with Central Asia. Mersin, where the southern border is formed by the Mediterranean Sea, has an important diversity in terms of vegetation. Among these plants, pine trees are the most striking ones. In this study, evaluations on püse (kara hekim) that obtained from the dry branches of pine trees which are the sources of fresh air and abundant oxygen, used for heating and as an animal shelter are presented. Püse; from past to present is among our important cultural elements. For this reason; this study was evaluated on five main dimensions: the acquisition of püse, public health, transition periods, beliefs of the people and the place in the vocabulary. The data were obtained using interview method and document analysis and analyzed by culture analysis method. Thus, it was attempted to draw attention to the importance of püse in Mersin folklore which is one of the important elements of cultural life.
Keywords
Mersin, culture, püse.
