A study on customs of transition period of Gallipoli Peninsula (birth-wedding-death)

11 ABSTRACT This study deals with the customs in the transition period of Gallipoli Peninsula, which has an important place in Turkish and world history with its position as a bridge between the Balkans and Anatolia. Including all the regional villages in its scope, this research maintains the feature of being the first study analysing the function of regionally incited scientific data in Turkish culture with its historical and contemporary dimensions. The introductory part is made up of three parts. First it states the geographical, historical, social and economic conditions of the region. Then the previous studies in the region are cited, and lastly the information about the purpose, importance, scope and the method of the study are covered in this part. The study consists of three parts as well; customs of birth, customs of wedding and customs of death. In each part, first the data gathered during the observations and interviews are presented then they are analysed. The conclusion gives a general evaluation of the research and the bibliography consists of two parts; being written and oral references. The questions designed for the interviews, photographs taken, regional maps and a dictionary giving the regional lexicology related to the subject are added in the appendix at the very end of the thesis. The rituals in the transition period, which this study basically deals with, constitute an essential evidence that illustrates the socio-economical and socio- cultural structure of the region and also the developments and changes in this structure. In this respect, this study aims a better understanding of the culture in the region and the mankind as the maker of it.