This study examines the "soil" motif frequently used in the poems of prominent Turkish folk poets such as Pir Sultan Abdal, Karacaoğlan, Dadaloğlu, Âşık Veysel, and Mahzuni Şerif. The word "soil" is employed with various meanings in the poems of these poets through different techniques. Soil holds a special place in human life, and this study emphasizes the value of soil to humans. Soil is considered the source of life and, at the same time, is thought of as an eternal resting place after death. Arable land is seen as an area from which one can reap produce, and it is also valuable as a source of wealth due to the minerals it contains. Furthermore, soil symbolizes the unity of human communities that share language, history, and cultural characteristics, making it a symbol of homeland, native land, and country. Despite centuries passing, no other element has been able to replace the "soil" motif in the poems of these poets. This study delves into the characteristics of this motif in more detail. Specifically, it explores subtopics such as the phrase "black soil," the use of the word "soil" in personification (identification) literary devices, the relationship between soil and religion and traditions, the metaphorical aspects of soil, and how the term "soil" is used in the context of homeland, native land, and country.
Turkish folk poetry, soil motif, Mahzuni Şerif, Âşık Veysel, Dadaloğlu, Karacaoğlan, Pir Sultan Abdal.