Ilbasan

Ilbasan is a term primarily used in Turkish folklore and mythology, referring to a type of malevolent spirit or demon that is believed to attack people in their sleep. The word is derived from the verb ilbasmak, meaning "to press down" or "to weigh upon."

Characteristics and Beliefs:

Ilbasan is typically described as a shadowy figure or entity that sits on the chest of a sleeping person, causing a feeling of pressure, breathlessness, and paralysis. This experience is similar to what is known in other cultures as sleep paralysis, but in Turkish folklore, it is attributed to the malicious intent of the Ilbasan.

Symptoms associated with an Ilbasan attack include:

• Difficulty breathing
• A sensation of being crushed or suffocated
• Paralysis or inability to move
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Intense fear and anxiety

Protective Measures:

Various traditional remedies and beliefs exist to ward off the Ilbasan. These often involve:

• Reciting prayers or religious verses before sleeping
• Placing certain objects, such as knives or garlic, under the pillow
• Sleeping in a specific position (e.g., on one's side)
• Avoiding sleeping on one's back

Comparison to Sleep Paralysis:

Modern science explains the Ilbasan phenomenon as a manifestation of sleep paralysis, a state where the mind is awake but the body remains in the sleep state, leading to a temporary inability to move. The hallucinations and feelings of pressure are thought to be related to the brain's misinterpretation of signals during this transition between sleep and wakefulness. However, in Turkish folklore, the belief persists that the Ilbasan is a supernatural entity responsible for these experiences.