Gift-giving Tradition and Functions in Kyrgyz Culture

Arzu Kiyat

Article Details

Gift-giving Tradition and Functions in Kyrgyz Culture

Authors:

Arzu Kiyat

Publisher:

Tekirdag Namik Kemal University

Main Topics:

Kuzey-Batı (Kıpçak) Türk Lehçeleri ve Edebiyatları

Journal:

HUMANITAS - Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi Vol.12 Issue 23, pp.332-347

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2024

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001313192

pISSN:

2147-088X

Keywords:

Abstract:

 The system of gift or presents has persisted as a nuanced structure since ancient times, grounded in the principles of reciprocity and non-reciprocity. This concept, involving a triadic cycle of receiving, giving, and reciprocating, is subject to subjective evaluation. The gift concept is built upon a triadic cycle of receiving, giving, and reciprocating. In its early stages, this system was initially constructed upon a commercial framework and was perceived as a reconciliatory tool based on trade partnerships during archaic periods. Over time, the concept has transcended these dimensions, expanding its scope into multifaceted realms, encompassing both material and spiritual dimensions. The act of giving and receiving gifts has functional impacts on individuals and society, contributing across psychological, social, cultural, economic, political, and other aspects. The broad perspectives offered by its functionality and pragmatic characteristics have allowed the system to maintain vitality and to be transmitted to the present day. In this context, it is important to elucidate the current state of the gift phenomenon in Kyrgyz culture. This study examines the impacts of the gift concept and gift-giving tradition on individuals and society from functional perspectives during transition period rituals among the Kyrgyz. The findings reveal that the gift and gift-giving tradition in Kyrgyz culture are actively sustained in various ceremonies and celebrations. Their functional appearance in these rituals holds significant importance for society, particularly in the continuity of culture and tradition.

 The system of gift or presents has persisted as a nuanced structure since ancient times, grounded in the principles of reciprocity and non-reciprocity. This concept, involving a triadic cycle of receiving, giving, and reciprocating, is subject to subjective evaluation. The gift concept is built upon a triadic cycle of receiving, giving, and reciprocating. In its early stages, this system was initially constructed upon a commercial framework and was perceived as a reconciliatory tool based on trade partnerships during archaic periods. Over time, the concept has transcended these dimensions, expanding its scope into multifaceted realms, encompassing both material and spiritual dimensions. The act of giving and receiving gifts has functional impacts on individuals and society, contributing across psychological, social, cultural, economic, political, and other aspects. The broad perspectives offered by its functionality and pragmatic characteristics have allowed the system to maintain vitality and to be transmitted to the present day. In this context, it is important to elucidate the current state of the gift phenomenon in Kyrgyz culture. This study examines the impacts of the gift concept and gift-giving tradition on individuals and society from functional perspectives during transition period rituals among the Kyrgyz. The findings reveal that the gift and gift-giving tradition in Kyrgyz culture are actively sustained in various ceremonies and celebrations. Their functional appearance in these rituals holds significant importance for society, particularly in the continuity of culture and tradition.

 The system of gift or presents has persisted as a nuanced structure since ancient times, grounded in the principles of reciprocity and non-reciprocity. This concept, involving a triadic cycle of receiving, giving, and reciprocating, is subject to subjective evaluation. The gift concept is built upon a triadic cycle of receiving, giving, and reciprocating. In its early stages, this system was initially constructed upon a commercial framework and was perceived as a reconciliatory tool based on trade partnerships during archaic periods. Over time, the concept has transcended these dimensions, expanding its scope into multifaceted realms, encompassing both material and spiritual dimensions. The act of giving and receiving gifts has functional impacts on individuals and society, contributing across psychological, social, cultural, economic, political, and other aspects. The broad perspectives offered by its functionality and pragmatic characteristics have allowed the system to maintain vitality and to be transmitted to the present day. In this context, it is important to elucidate the current state of the gift phenomenon in Kyrgyz culture. This study examines the impacts of the gift concept and gift-giving tradition on individuals and society from functional perspectives during transition period rituals among the Kyrgyz. The findings reveal that the gift and gift-giving tradition in Kyrgyz culture are actively sustained in various ceremonies and celebrations. Their functional appearance in these rituals holds significant importance for society, particularly in the continuity of culture and tradition.

 Hediye veya armağan sistemi arkaik dönemlerden beri var olan karmaşık bir yapı olarak süregelmiştir. Söz konusu hususta kavramın karşılıklılık ve karşılıksızlık ilkesine dayalı olması ve bu sebeple subjektif bir değerlendirmeye tabi tutulması yatmaktadır. Hediye kavramı; alma, verme ve karşılığını verme esasına dayalı üçlü bir döngü üzerine kurulu bir sistemdir. Bu sistem, arkaik devirlerde başlangıçta daha çok ticari sistem üzerine inşa edilmiş ve ticaret ortaklığına dayanan uzlaştırıcı bir araç olarak görülmüştür. Mefhum zamanla bu boyutlarından sıyrılarak anlam alanlarını genişletmiş ve gerek maddi gerek manevi içeriklerle çok boyutlu hâle gelmiştir. Hediye alma ve verme eylemi birey ve toplum üzerinde işlevsel etkiye sahiptir. Nitekim bu husus psikolojik, sosyal, kültürel, ekonomik, siyasi vb. pek çok noktada toplumdaki bireylere katkıda bulunmaktadır. Dolayısıyla işlevsellik ve pragmatik özelliğinin geniş perspektif imkân alanları sunması sistemin günümüze değin canlılığını koruyarak aktarılagelmesini sağlamıştır. Bu hususlar ekseninde hediye olgusunun Kırgız kültüründe mevcut durumunun hangi şekillerde olduğunu ortaya koymak önemli görülmüştür. Bu minvalde çalışmada, Kırgızlarda hediye kavramı ve hediyeleşme geleneğinin geçiş dönemi ritüellerinde işlevsel açılardan birey ve toplum üzerine olan etkileri değerlendirilmiştir. Sonuç olarak Kırgız kültüründe hediye ve hediyeleşme geleneğinin çeşitli tören ve kutlamalarda etkin biçimde sürdürüldüğü ve bu ritüellerdeki işlevsel görünümü dolayısıyla başta kültür ve geleneğin sürdürümcülüğü olmak üzere toplum üzerinde pek çok etkiye sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir.

Article Details

Gift-giving Tradition and Functions in Kyrgyz Culture

Authors:

Arzu Kiyat

Publisher:

Tekirdag Namik Kemal University

Main Topics:

Kuzey-Batı (Kıpçak) Türk Lehçeleri ve Edebiyatları

Journal:

HUMANITAS - Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi Vol.12 Issue 23, pp.332-347

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2024

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001313192

pISSN:

2147-088X

Kyrgyz culture

Gift

Transition periods

Gift-giving tradition

FunctionalityKırgız kültürü

hediye

geçiş dönemleri

hediyeleşme geleneği

işlevsellik

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Arzu Kiyat

Publisher: Tekirdag Namik Kemal University

Main Topics: Kuzey-Batı (Kıpçak) Türk Lehçeleri ve Edebiyatları

Journal: HUMANITAS - Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi Vol.12 Issue 23, pp.332-347

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 3/2024

Document Language: Turkish

Document ID (Org No.): 2001313192

pISSN: 2147-088X

Issues

Authors:

Arzu Kiyat

Publisher:

Tekirdag Namik Kemal University

Main Topics:

Kuzey-Batı (Kıpçak) Türk Lehçeleri ve Edebiyatları

Journal:

HUMANITAS - Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi Vol.12 Issue 23, pp.332-347

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2024

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001313192

pISSN:

2147-088X