Pilgrimage folklore in the province of Van

Academic studies on pilgrimage in Turkey is mostly done in theology. Studies on pilgrimage folklores are limited in terms of folklore. This study is a study of pilgrimage folklore at the local level in folklore. The study consists of five chapters including introduction. In all of the universal religions; There is an expectation of reaching the creator, taking shelter in God, and a whisper. Travels to sacred places and the rituals shaped around these journeys ensure the realization of this goal. Pilgrimage is a worship consisting of symbols where sacred space and sacred time meet. In the introduction part of the study, information was given about the subject, purpose and importance of the research and the methods and techniques used in the research. In the first part, the topics mentioned in the conceptual framework are explained. In the second part, the main characteristics of the Van province are introduced. On the basis of the concept of pilgrimage in the third section provides information about th eprogress of the hajj pilgrimage in Turkey and in other religions. In the fourth part, which constitutes the main subject of the study, it has been tried to examine how the pilgrimage ritual practices are shaped in the province of Van. In this part of the study, field research, observation and interview techniques were used. Findings obtained by these methods were evaluated by data analysis method. When the data obtained in this study were evaluated, it was determined that pilgrimage practices are still a highly important workship in society. Reflections of pilgrimage practices in the context of belief; it was seen as an indicator of society's commitment to old traditions and customs. The commercial reflections of the pilgrimage shopping in Van and the characteristics of the most purchased products were also evaluated in a data context. The pilgrimage and return traditions of the pilgrimage/umrah passengers from Van within framework of the pilgrimage practices constituted a part of the subject of this study. The position and impressions of the passengers on the return of hajj / umrah in the society have also been the subject of research. With this research; In the province of Van, traditions, beliefs, practices and narratives have been tried to be explained on examples of pilgrimage practices.