Akademik Dil ve Edebiyat Dergisi

Öz

In the tradition of Turkish folk storytelling, not only the Northeast Anatolia region but also the Southern Anatolia region has presented significant narrative examples. The nomadic lifestyle in the region has led to centuries-long resistance against settlement policies, directly influencing the development of the âşık (minstrel) figure in the area. Stories revolving around the nomadic life and resistance to settlement, formed around the group of poets referred to as aşiret/iskân şairleri (tribal/settlement poets) in folk literature sources, have been prevalent. The prominent Southern Anatolian âşıks such as Dadaloğlu, Kozanoğlu, İlbeylioğlu, alongside Gündeşlioğlu, are mentioned, and there are numerous oral traditions circulating about this âşık. Gündeşlioğlu, who is believed to be the subject of two folk tales, is well-known in regions like Adana, Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, and his sung stories are performed by contemporary local âşıks. Emlek region âşıks like Ali İzzet Özkan and Hasan Yüzbaşoğlu, who have come together with Southern Anatolian âşıks on various occasions, have contributed to the spread of narratives about Gündeşlioğlu to the Sivas Şarkışla region. This study will focus on the written version of the Gündeşlioğlu and Alageyik tale, which has been preserved until today, learned from his father, Âşık Hasan Yüzbaşoğlu, and Âşık Emanetî; it will compare the dissemination areas, characters, episodes, and motifs, as well as discuss the influence of the narrator on the story. Additionally, an overview of previous studies conducted on Gündeşlioğlu and his stories will be provided, along with a discussion of the relevant literature.