YAZIT Journal of Cultural Sciences

Abstract

The family forms the building blocks of every society. Each individual first learns the norms and values of their society from their family. In this sense, the family plays an important role in establishing individuals' ties to society. While establishing ties with society, individuals also witness many transitional periods. Most rites of passage involve family-centered ceremonies. Since the concept of family is very important for Kyrgyz people, most of the rites of passage are family-centered toy ceremonies. Toys enable individuals to mature both individually and socially, while also helping them to form their cultural identity within Kyrgyz society. Arzu Kiyat effectively expressed the importance of toys in Kyrgyz society by saying, “To be Kyrgyz means to be a toy, and to be a toy means to be Kyrgyz.” In the work prepared by Kiyat, titled Toy in Kyrgyz Culture, Functional Analysis, the functional evaluation of family-based toys in Kyrgyz culture is discussed, with reference to the differences between toys held in rural and urban areas. It is noted that the constant change in cultural elements has led to new rituals emerging in rural and urban areas, which, while preserving the structure of toys, have also caused change. In his work, the author examines toys in Kyrgyz culture under four main headings: “Toy in Turkish Culture,” “Toys in Kyrgyz Culture,” “Structural Analysis of Kyrgyz Toys,” and “Functional Analysis of Kyrgyz Toys.” The work reveals the relationship between the traditions and functions of Kyrgyz toys in the context of their performance. This study, prepared for the purpose of introducing and evaluating the work, will examine its contribution to field studies that analyze the structural and functional aspects of toys in Kyrgyz culture. The work will focus on the reflections of the perception of toys in Kyrgyz society.