Food as communication and cultural transfer: The example of Trabzon

Eating is known as a physiological action performed in order to ensure the continuation of life due to essential needs. However, eating has different social meanings besides filling the stomach. Food is a key to understanding societies. In this study, the subject of food has been discussed in the sociological context in order to understand the family, society and social relations. The main purpose of the study is to understand and analyze the functions of eating other than filling the stomach. For this reason, the qualitative research method based on the interpretative paradigm was preferred in the study. The research was carried out in Trabzon, which has a diversity in terms of food culture. The deciphered data of the interviews conducted with 40 participants in Trabzon province and its districts were analyzed with the MAXQDA 2022 program. Findings were evaluated according to the themes and codes that emerged. Based on the findings in the study, the subject of food is handled as the protector, transmitter and developer of the family and social bond from the sociological perspective. In addition to meeting the basic needs, culture-bearing aspects of eating and functional aspects that provide communication with family, friends and neighbors are emphasized. With this study, it is aimed to contribute to the relatively few and limited literature on sociology of food. Keywords: Communication, Culture, Family, Food, Society