Türk Süsleme Sanatında Bukağı ve Muska Motiflerinin Anlamı ve Kullanımı

Turkish decorative art is one of the most important examples of thousands of years of historical accumulation and cultural richness. Motifs, which are one of the basic building blocks in the art of ornamentation; not only for the purpose of creating a visual aesthetic, but also as a reflection of the beliefs, values, life, feelings and thoughts of the people. Motifs, which are especially important in terms of the thought they express, are among the important representatives of traditional understanding. In this context, bukağı and amulet stand out as two powerful motifs that are frequently used in Turkish decorative arts and contain very deep meanings. Bukağı motif is a kind of ‘commitment’ symbol, especially used in weaving arts and stonemasonry. Since the term bukağı means ‘bond’, in the artistic context it expresses concepts such as coming together, bonding, marriage and fidelity. The binding, which means unity between male and female figures, also carries the meaning of being a part of the social order. This motif, which is frequently encountered in many different regions of Anatolia, especially in weavings such as carpets and rugs, expresses a sense of unity strengthened by visual repetitions. The amulet motif is a motif born out of a completely different cultural need. The amulet, which is the reflection of ideas such as protection from the evil eye, avoidance of evil spirits, spiritual shelter, which has a very large place in the Turkish folk belief system, is generally used in triangular or rectangular forms. The amulet motif is also found in weavings, architectural decorations, silver and copper workmanship, and even in clothing and jewellery designs. In this study, the meanings of the amulet and amulet motifs in the historical process, the branches of art in which they are used in Turkish decorative arts and their connections with folk beliefs have been studied. Evaluations have been made on the current status of the importance of the motifs with their different forms and meanings.