The Tradition of Turkmen Bahsilik and Necepoglan Legend
    

The tradition of “bahsilik” has been one of the riches of Turkmens and has existed ever since the ancient times. The representatives of this tradition set the foundation of bahsilik in VI th century BC and in the following ages, Bahsilik and Bahsi’s have existed up to now with hardly any changes depending upon the time and conditions in the regions where Turkish Clans lived. In this tradition, education holds an important place in order to be entitled Bahsi. The legend “ Neceoglan” is one of the epics which narrates the transition of a candidate Bahsi to Bahsilik. In the legend, there has been a mention of bahsilik and bahsilik transition ceremony and ritual. There have been many different versions of the legend in the repertoire of Turkmen Bahsi’s