Erzurum Mûsikî Folkloründe Herfene Geceleri

Traditional meetings, known by different names, have been held in various regions of Turkey for the sake of cultural continuity, from past to present. Herfene Nights, which are discussed in this study, are one of the cultural events that have deep roots especially in the Erzurum region and form an important part of the social fabric. These nights are meetings held during the winter months, where social solidarity is strengthened in villages and rural areas, and filled with entertainment, music, conversation and traditional games. Herfene Nights are more than just a means of entertainment and socialization, they play an important role in transferring cultural values from generation to generation. This study aims to examine Herfene Nights, an important part of Erzurum culture, and to analyze the musical, social and historical dimensions of this cultural tradition. While evaluating the origins, development and current situation of Herfene Nights, the study aims to investigate the social effects and cultural continuity of these events. The research was carried out using the Phenomenology pattern, and academic literature on Erzurum traditions and interviews with folklorists were used as data sources. This study also discusses how Herfene Nights transformed with the modernization process. A decrease in the frequency of these traditional activities has been observed due to the increase in migration from villages to cities, the decrease in the rural population and the influence of modern lifestyle. However, it is emphasized that although Herfene Nights are held less frequently today, they maintain their place in cultural memory and have a spiritual importance for the people of Erzurum. These nights contribute to cultural continuity, even under modern conditions, and allow Erzurum's folkloric heritage to be kept alive. The findings of the research reveal that Herfene Nights are not only a means of entertainment, but also an important social event that reinforces the cultural values, norms and beliefs of the society and ensures the transfer of knowledge between generations.