Abstract:
Bamsi Beyrek, a character described in the narrative concerning Ic Oguza Tas Oguz Asi Olup Beyrek Oldugu Boyu (When Outer Oghuz mutinied against Inner Oghuz and Beyrek Died) is of interest because his primary function in the epic, The Book of Dede Korkut, is mediation. This study is based on the two-layered thematic structure of the last boy (narrative) of the text. It applies the structural semantic methodology to the examination of the configuration and positioning of Beyrek's character through a general analysis of the contrasts, contexts, rituals, and characters. The study determines that Beyrek's actions are aligned to his mission, and that the status of some characters (Aruz and Kazan) alters after Beyrek is murdered. Thus, the ritual context of the position-altering function of this character is clearly defined. Beyrek's positioning as shaman and wolf are also examined, and it is ascertained that he occupies the same semantic level as Korkut Ata. The study identifies the cult-based framework of the oppositions reflected in the thematic structure, restores the transformative elements of the topical construction, and discovers the functional model of the status changing ritual.
