The Analysis of the Socio-Cultural Life of Bilecik Regional Manavs From The Past To Present

Bilecik Province has its own eight districts (or counties), other than its own downtown. In these districts a great deal of Manav villages exist. Manavs in Bilecik region came from Karake？ili tribe. Manavs in this region call themselves "Turkmen", which had passed a sedentary life before Y？rüks. The word "manav" has colloquially several meanings such as native, sedentary and artificer. In this study, by using verbal and written sources, both the traditions and customs of Manavs in general, and in particular those of Manavs in Bilecik from past to present have been dealt with. When data obtained from field researchs in Manav villages are analysized, the existence of a rich cultural infrastructure draws the attention. Traces of old Turkish culture in many areas forming the social life such as games, wedding and death. Manavs, also, are drawn the attetion to maintain the structure of crowded, productive village, sunk into oblivion