yaklamlar

Yaklamlar is an annual traditional festival observed by communities in the central highlands. The name is believed to derive from a local word meaning to greet or embrace, and it signals the central greeting rite of the event.

The festival centers on the Ayruk Plateau, with variations in neighboring valleys. It typically takes place at the start of the harvest and attracts villagers, traveling performers, and craftworkers.

Activities span several days. A processional greeting leads through village streets, followed by music and dance performances. The core ritual, called the yaklam, features a formal embrace and the exchange of carved tokens, after which a shared meal begins.

Cultural significance: Yaklamlar reinforces social bonds, helps resolve disputes, and passes customary knowledge to younger generations. It also supports local crafts and food producers and is often cited as part of intangible cultural heritage.

Contemporary status: While core practices survive, some elements have adapted to modern life, with simplified formats for urban observers and broader participation. Preservation initiatives aim to sustain the festival for future generations.