An ınvestigation of Circassian cuisine in terma of gastonomic identity: Uzunyayla as a sample

Circassian cuisine is one of the original cuisine when investigated in terms of gastronomic identity. Circassian cuisine has been affected by many factors such as geography, climate, belief, social rules, historical events, trade, war, immigration, exile, etc. These factors play an important role in the formation, development, change and diversity of Cicassian cuisine. Moreover, Circassian cuisine has created a cultural heritage thanks to Circassian myth, mythology narrations, rituals, Circassian traditions and customs (Xabze). The transition period of this heritage to Anatolia has been harsh and sad. It is known that Circassians, who were settled in various regions of Anatolia within the framework of the settlement policies of the time, were able to keep their cuisine culture alive and protect it in the geography they migrated to. Circassian cuisine culture includes unique recipes, food names, preparation methods, cooking techniques, storage and food presentation techniques. This research investigates the culinary culture of Circassions who live in Uzunyayla and aims to answer the question "Are there any missing elements in the Circassian cuisine culture? ". It has also studied Circassian food names and recipes, table manners, tools and equipment, cooking and preparation techniques that are about to be forgotten and not included in the written literature in the Circassian cuisine culture. The study was prepared within the framework of cultural analysis (ethnography) design, which is one of the qualitative methods. Purposeful sampling and homogenous sampling methods which are qualitative research methods were used. In the study, interview technique was implemented and data was collected from 20 Circassians from Uzunyayla through a semi-structured questionnaire. The qualitative data obtained were analysed by descriptive analysis. In conclusion, it has been found out that Circassion cuisine culture has been affected by environmental and cultural changes and there are dishes, rituals and equipment that are lost or about to disappear. Key Words: Gastronomic Identity, Circassian Cuisine, Culinary Culture, Lost Dishes