TRADITIONAL WOMEN'S COSTUMES IN BASHKIR SOCIETY

Abstract

The historical geography of the Bashkir Turks living in the autonomous Republic of Bashkortostan under the Russian Federation is a region covering 143,600 km², where the magnificent Ural Mountains and the Yayık (Ural) River are located, which are the connection point of Europe and Asia. It is confirmed in many relevant historical sources that today's Bashkirs living in the republic with a population of approximately four million two hundred thousand have a deep-rooted historical past and a unique socio-cultural life. When we look at the oldest historical sources providing information about Bashkir Turks; The notes Ibn Fadlan took while passing through this region as an official in the 10th century were also compiled by the French traveler Wilhelm Von Rubruk (12th century), the Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi (17th century), and the Russian writer S. İ. In the works written by Rudenko (19th century) and Kuzeyev (XXth century), another important researcher in this field, they provided information that enlightens today about the general folklore and clothing style of the Bashkirs. In this context, the clothing and folkloric values reflected by the women, who are the main element of the society, as in the Bashkir society and other Turkish noble people, who are strictly attached to their traditions, are of great importance for the continuity of the culture. When we look at the old women's clothing style, it can be easily seen that it carries thick traces of its own culture and life. It is obvious that there is an art and craft that requires talent and creativity in the preparation of these clothes. In this sense, it can be said that the traditional women's costume is a national dress created by blending the geometric shapes and metal accessories worn on it, as well as the core culture and beliefs. In this study, a general examination and evaluation will be made on the traditional clothes of Bashkir women of Turkish descent in the light of the relevant sources scanned.

Keywords: Idil-Ural, Bashkirs, Folklore, Traditional Women's Costumes