beliefs and practices associated with tombs in the context of five districts of Hatay

Hatay is a city renowned not only for its multicultural heritage but also as the "Land of Saints," due to its historical association with numerous holy figures. Among the region's key cultural values shaped by its historical and social development are its sacred visitation sites and shrines imbued with spiritual significance. This study explores the architectural features, historical backgrounds, associated legends and oral narratives, rituals performed during visits, the purpose of these pilgrimages, and the specific times of visitation to shrines and sacred sites throughout the Hatay region. The aim of this research is to provide a general introduction to frequently visited shrines in Hatay, to compile the legends and narratives surrounding these sites – many of which are in danger of being forgotten within the oral tradition – and to document the common rituals and practices observed during these visits. Furthermore, the study explores the connection between these practices and the past by comparing them with elements of ancient Turkic belief systems. The research is based on both written and oral sources and incorporates extensive field research, including observations, interviews, photographs and audio recordings. Through this study, the locations and physical characteristics of the shrines, the legends and narratives formed around the figures buried there, and the rituals and practices performed at these sites have been transferred from oral tradition into written form and presented as ethnographic data.