Abstract:
In this paper, 171 legends collected in Adiyaman and its surroundings have been classified and assessed in general terms. The functions of the legends in individual and social respect has been emphasized and their roles in character-building and determining common ideals have been mentioned. The best way to understand a society is to get to know the sources it feeds. As a highly significant element among the cultural sources, the effects of the legends in various ways on the people in the region have been pointed out. In this study, the summarized versions of some legends, which seem to be more important than the others, have been included and the significance of the legends in the formation of historic memory of the nations has been explained in detail. In this respect, the function of Adiyaman legends in the formation of common memory of Turkish nation and supplying the cultural unity has also been examined thoroughly.
