Motives Common to Turkic People in Kazakh Toponymic Legends

Toponymic legends, a subcategory of the legend genre in field of folklore, are valuable cultural heritage that reflect the cultural and historical significance of a place and are associated with the beliefs and stories of local people. Toponymic legends are stories hidden in the depths of place names. These legends shed light on the history and cultural context of the places they are named after. Serving as a reflection of a place's essence, toponymic legends nourish the fabric of geography, revealing the uniqueness of a region. Like an archaeologist carrying the traces of history, they provide us with an unparalleled window to unravel the secrets of the past and understand the roots of local culture. However, this subcategory has not been sufficiently studied within the discipline of folklore. However, the study of toponymic legends contributes to the preservation and valorization of cultural heritage by providing scientific data in cultural, historical, linguistic, geographical and ecological fields. Moreover, the interrelationship between similar legends in different regions is an important means of comprehensively assessing the culture of a nation. This relationship sheds light on the internal harmony, national unity and historical depth of a spesific nation's traditional culture. The aim of the study is to provide a holistic perspective on Turkish culture through two toponymic legend texts from Kazakh Turks. The legends of "Kız Kulesi" (Maiden's Tower) and "Kırk Kız" (Forty Maidens) exist among both Kazakh Turks and other Turkish communities in the research sample. Both legends belong to the categorical subcategory of toponymic legends. When examined in terms of their motifs and narrative patterns, along with their texts, variants, and historical background, they show significant similarities. Furthermore, when the elements that constitute the narrative are analyzed and interpreted from the perspective of Turkish culture, it is determined that they possess intra-cultural consistency. The fact that Turkic communities, which have interacted with distant and different cultures, share the same legends with almost identical motifs, indicates the preservation of cultural unity. "Kırk Kız" and "Kız Kulesi" legends shed historical light on Turkish culture within the toponymic category. These legends, with their rich motifs and narrative elements, provide insights into the cultural heritage and historical background of the Turkish people. They serve as important cultural symbols, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions, beliefs, and values of the Turkish culture. Through the exploration of these legends, one can gain a deeper understanding of the historical, social, and cultural dynamics that have shaped the Turkish identity over time.