The Meaning and Significance of Figures and Symbols Found in Kosovo Halveti Osman Baba Dervish Lodge in Turkish Art and Culture

Various beliefs belonging to turkish belief system which originated and developed in central asia have, without doubt, played an important part in the formation of turkish art. especially as figurative decorations, their continuous use both in architecture and ornament results from the richness of meaning attached to them. these figures are witnessed to be used in religious and non-religious structures with dedication and on purpose in all places turks went; central asia, anatolia and the balkans at most. it is known that apart from the ones found in nature like dragon and ram horn, imaginary creatures not found in nature also occupy a large part in this art. all of these figures contain a deep symbolic meaning depending on belief groups, and have their own place within sects developing in islamic belief. this study is intended to shed light on the dragon icon emerging in old turkish belief system in relation to combatant-war veteran-dervish framework as well as various figures and symbols found in kosovo halveti dervish lodge.