Abstract
A Legend of a Beheaded Saint Told in North Macedonia: An Analysis of the “Legend of the Sarı Kızlar”
Legends, as a part of Turkish folk narratives, serve both as a reflection of the past and as a significant component of the cultural memory of societies. In this context, the legends narrated among the Turkish community in North Macedonia reinterpret historical events in an epic manner, ensuring cultural transmission. The Sarı Kızlar (Yellow Girls) Legend is one such narrative, particularly associated with the conquest of Kocacık Castle by the Turks.
This study examines the Sarı Kızlar Legend, which is told among the Turkish community in North Macedonia and is centered around Kocacık. The legend is analyzed in terms of its structure, themes, content, and functions, while its place in social memory is also scrutinized. The findings indicate that the legend merges historical events with mythological and epic elements and holds a significant place within the Turkish narrative tradition, especially due to the presence of the Kesikbaş (Beheaded) motif.
Such narratives play a crucial role in preserving Turkish cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. In this study, the Sarı Kızlar Legend will be examined in detail in terms of narrative structure, themes, content, and functions. Additionally, the study will explore how the legend was shaped within the context of Turkish conquests in the Balkans and its impact on folk culture. Furthermore, the integration of Ottoman conquest strategies with folk narratives and the role of legends in social memory will be analyzed. In doing so, this research aims to demonstrate that legends are not merely folk tales but also significant oral traditions that reflect the historical heritage, values, and cultural identity of societies.
Keywords
Sarı Kızlar Legend, Turkish community in North Macedonia, folk narratives, Beheaded Saint motif, myt