TÜRK KÜLTÜRÜNDE ATES VE OCAK IYELERI

In Turkish culture "fire" and "hearth" has become a cult as a result formed around the various beliefs and practices. It is believed to be familiar spirit of fire and hearth and called "familiar spirit of fire and hearth" to this spirit in general. Because familiar spirit of fire and hearth is believed to be alive, it has been treated like a creature is trea- ted this familiar spirit, insomuch that it was loaded with some human characteristics to this familiar spirit. But, it is called "ot ana" to the familiar spirit in the Turkish world in general and this familiar spirit is illustrated like a woman. In addition to these features, the familiar spirit of fire and hearth in the Turkish culture situated in a divine and in-between position. Some rules and taboos has been formed around the fire and hearth on account of this. In the article, the familiar spirit of fire and hearth will be evaluated in terms of antropomorphic aspect, female appearance, formed around the rules and taboos and its relationship with the harmful spirit.