Ashik literature

Ashik literature primarily refers to a tradition of oral poetry and musical storytelling found in parts of Turkey and the broader Turkic region. Practiced by itinerant poets and musicians called "ashiks," this form of art blends poetic verses with music, often using a stringed instrument called the "cura." Ashik literature typically explores themes of love, nature, and social issues, reflecting the cultural values and struggles of the community. It is characterized by improvisation and performance, making it a vibrant and dynamic form of artistic expression that plays an essential role in regional cultural identity.