Economic activities of Syriacs from the perspective of cultural economics: A qualitative analysis on Syriacs of Mardin

Economic activities have long been one of the social issues that have occupied humankind in the struggle for survival. It is noteworthy that studies in the literature on the economic activities of the Syriacs, both across Türkiye and specifically in the region, are insufficient. The interaction between culture and institutions, which is the domain of cultural economics, plays an important role in the sustainability of human economic activities. The main objective of this study is to evaluate how cultural differences—falling within the scope of cultural economics—affect and shape the economic activities of the Syriacs in the province of Mardin. For this study, interviews were conducted with 15 participants, including selected Syriac jewelers, silversmiths, clergy, and tour guides, as well as experts from public institutions and organizations that serve as economic stakeholders in Mardin. The semi-structured interview method, one of the qualitative research methods, was employed. The data obtained from the interviews were coded using the qualitative analysis software MAXQDA 24, and content analysis was applied. The findings of the study revealed that migration, cultural ties, and supportive assistance have a significant impact on the sustainability of the Syriacs' economic activities. In this context, the study emphasizes the importance of migration, cultural differences, and financial support in ensuring the continuity and transmission of the Syriacs' economic activities to future generations.