Burdur, is a city
located in the South Western part of Turkey. Since the city is at the
intersection of the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Central Anatolian
regions of Turkey, the dances from this city carry the characteristics
of all the three regions mentioned above. In this area inhabits a large
nomadic population of Turkomans who are also called "Yoruk"s. The name
"Yoruk" derives from the Turkish verb "yuru" which means to walk, with
the word yorouk designating "those who walk, walkers". Although Yoruks
are not nomads in a traditional sense anymore, they still lead a
semi-nomadic life in that they go up to the highlands "yayla" during
the summer , and come back down to the coast during the winter. They
herd animals, especially sheeps and goats, they weave carpets, they
make delicious yoghurt, cheese, dough. Since the human beings are
inspired by their daily lives and the nature around them when they
create dances, Burdur dances depict women weaving carpets, threading,
making yoghurt, and imitating goats' moves. The latter more applies to
men's dances.
The costumes are colorful and have many layers. It includes a salvar
(baggy pants), uc etek (a kind of striped dress, the skirt of which has
three pieces, two in the front and one in the back), a cepken (a vest
usually in one solid color), and baslik (a bonnet designed with
colorful and embroidered scarves, and coins).
