Zeibeks

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Zeybeks or sometimes Zeibeks were people living in Asia Minor. The majority of them came from Yörük and Turkmen villages.^{[citation needed]}

Before the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, large concentrations of Zeibeks could be found in western Anatolia, particularly in Isparta, Burdur, Afyon, Kütahya, Uşak, Denizli, Aydın, İzmir, Manisa, Mugla, Antalya, and the Balıkesir area.

Zeybeks were mountain warriors of Western Anatolia during the 13th - 19th centuries. Zeybeks generally had Turkmen and Yörük origins. They acted as protectors of village people against landlords, bandits and tax collectors. A leader of a Zeybek gang was called "efe" and his soldiers were known as "kızan"."Kızan" was generally used for untrained Zeybeks. There was generally a tribe democracy in group. Decisions was taken in a democratic way, after the decision was taken "Efe" has an uncontroversial authority. They followed definite rituals for all actions; for example, the promotion of a "kızan" to zeybek was very similar to Ahi rituals.

Zeybeks had a special dance in which performers simulated hawks. Romantic songs about their bravery are still popular in Turkish folk music. The yatagan sword was their primary weapon, but most of them carried firearms as well.

Most of the Zeybeks fought against the Greek invasion of Western Anatolia in the Greco-Turkish War of 1919-1922. Their guerilla warfare gave time for Turkish resistance to form a defence.

Atçalı Kel Mehmet Efe, Demirci Mehmet Efe, Yörük Ali Efe, and Çakırcalı Mehmet Efe are some of the most famous Zeybek leaders.

[edit] See also

• Zeibekiko (zeybek or zeybeği in Turkish) dance and music style

[edit] References