Transitional periods in Van / Gevaş

Folk culture contributes to the individual's adaptation to the society and the individual to establish a certain order in the society. The history, social structure, traditions and customs of the society are effective in the formation of this culture. All of these bring the individual to the individual and the family to the family, while at the same time, it is a source of the social integration and meeting at common points. The study deals with the transitional beliefs and practices in Van's Gevaş district. The most important transition periods of human life; birth, marriage, military service and death. During the transition periods, the individual undergoes a number of practices and rituals to adapt to his new life. Their purpose is to bless the individual's new condition and protect it. Transition periods are for ensuring, protecting and blessing not only the individual but also the society. Therefore, it also enables the individual to bridge the past and the future. In the introduction part of the research, the subject and importance of the research, the method of the research, the purpose of the research are explained. Some concepts used in the first part of the research are explained. In the second part of the research, information was given about the historical, social and cultural characteristics of Gevaş, which was chosen as a research area, and thus, the research area was tried to be introduced. In the third part of the study, material compiled under the titles of birth, marriage, military service and death was presented and evaluated. The information obtained while presenting the material was tried to be given similarities and differences with other Turkish communities, mythology, religion and tradition. The first subtitle of the department is determined as "birth". Customs and beliefs about birth are discussed before, during and after birth. There are many traditions, beliefs and rituals during this period. There are also some beliefs and practices to protect the individual who is vulnerable in the new situation. In the "marriage" section, which is determined as the second subtitle of the department, it has been given before the wedding and after the wedding. There are many beliefs, traditions and customs here to bless the transition to the new state. The third phase of the transition periods is military service. Before and after military applications are considered as applications. Although there is not much practice and belief compared to the other three transition periods, it is a period due to some practices and beliefs. The "death", the fourth of the transition periods, is dealt with in the fourth subtitle. The customs and beliefs about death are described in pre-death, death sequence, post-death order. In the conclusion part of the study, the thesis topic was completed by making a general evaluation. Sources are given as oral and written sources. Keywords : Transition Periods, Birth, Marriage, Military Service, Death. Number Of Pages : XV+250 Advisor : Prof. Dr. Zeki TAŞTAN