The ‘Eskişehir Legends’ were discussed at the Faculty of Arts.

The ‘Eskişehir Legends’ seminar held in Eskişehir took place in the Prof. Dr. Taciser Tüfekçi Sivas Conference Hall of Anadolu University Faculty of Arts.

Prof. Dr. Zülfükar Bayraktar, a faculty member from the Department of Literature at Anadolu University, mentioned the nature of legends, stating that no article has been published regarding legends in Eskişehir, and therefore, he has conducted research on the subject. He said, “Legends are extraordinary cases and events that describe stories of certain natural formations that are intangible and invisible. The concepts of mythology and legend are often confused with each other. The fundamental distinction between mythology and legend lies in the fact that they both contain expressions related to the formation of the universe. Mythology offers insights about the ancient world, while legend provides significant information about the contemporary world. Since legends are expressed as modernized forms of myths, they fundamentally carry sacred elements.”

“Legends are narratives that heavily emphasize belief”

Prof. Dr. Bayraktar continued, “Legends are narratives that heavily emphasize belief, and it is believed that the things narrated actually occurred. We categorized the legends under 6 main headings. We compiled legends from digital culture, specifically the internet and social media platforms. We gathered all legends related to Eskişehir from written sources and lastly conducted compilation studies in certain locations. We discovered a significant number of legends related to Yunus Emre, while the legends of Seyyid Battal Gazi and Kesik Başlar emerged as the most narrated legends in Eskişehir and its surroundings. Regarding place names, the Kanlıkavak Park Legend, Sivrihisar Castle, the Five Chimneys Carpet legend, and beliefs related to Odunpazarı Houses were also mentioned.”

After the speech, Hazal Aslan, a student from the Department of Turkish Folklore, provided information about the research to the participants. The seminar concluded after a question and answer session. The seminar, where Prof. Dr. Zülfükar Bayraktar was the speaker, was attended by Prof. Dr. Fuat Güllüpınar, the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts, faculty members, and students.