Zeibeks
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Zeibeks or Zeybeks were people living in Asia Minor. The majority of them came from Yörük and Turkmen villages[citation needed], although some came from Greek villages as well.[citation needed]
Before the establishment ofRepublic of Turkey, large concentrations of Zeibeks could be found in the western Anatolia, particularly in Isparta, Burdur, Afyon, Kütahya, Uşak, Denizli, Aydın, Izmir, Manisa, Balıkesir area.
Zeybeks were mountain warriors of Western Anatolia during the 13th - 19th centuries. Zeybeks, generally has turkmen and yörük and some times Greek origins. They acted as protectors of village people against landlords, bandits and tax collectors. A leader of a Zeybek gang was called "efe" and his soldiers were known as "kızan"."Kızan" was generally used for untrained Zeybeks. There was generally a tribe democracy in group. Decisions was taken in a democratic way, after the decision was taken "Efe" has an uncontraversial authority. They were follow definite rituels for all actions,for example;to promote the "kızan" to zeybek, very similar to Ahi rituals.
Zeybeks had a special dance in which performers simulated hawks. Romantic songs about their bravery are still popular in Turkish folk music. Yatagan was their primary weapon, but most of them carried firearms as well.
Most of the Zeybeks fought against the Greek invasion of Western Anatolia in the Greco-Turkish War of 1919-1922. Their guerilla warfare gave time for Turkish resistance to form a defence.
Demirci Mehmet Efe (tr:Demirci Mehmet Efe), Yörük Ali Efe (tr:Yörük Ali Efe), Çakırcalı Mehmet Efe (tr:Çakırcalı Mehmet Efe) are some of the most famous Zeybek leaders.
[edit] See also
- Zeibekiko (zeybek or zeybeği in Turkish) dance and music style
[edit] Reference
- Onur Akdogu, "Bir Başkaldırı Öyküsü Zeybekler, Cilt 1 - 3 Tarihi - Ezgileri - Dansları" ("A Story of Rebellion - Zeybeks" (3 volumes: History, Music, Dances)), Izmir, Turkey, 2004 (Turkish)
