The Pigeon Motive in Turkish Folk Culture and Erzurum Women Dances

In this study, it is aimed to find out the reasons why one of the birds, pigeon, which holds an important place in turkish culture and sometimes stands for holiness, takes place in erzurum folklore of women. besides, the study indicates the importance of the fact that the pigeon figure is used in women dances called ‘misket’ and ‘halay,’ and it also indicates the importance of the motive in anatolian folklore. besides examining the importance and the place of pigeon in turkishislamic beliefs and turkish folklore, its importance is also searched in other beliefs. the pigeon bar, one of the lyrical dance types of erzurum, was analyzed in terms of melody and rhythm. it is confirmed that the pigeon symbolizes the love, purity and peace in turkish folklore and belief system.