A research on the köçeklik tradition in Zonguldak province

It is possible to understand from the very definition of culture that cultures vary by the regions and locations, leading to the creation of different traditions in different places. Turkish culture also produced new traditions following the Turks' conversion to Islam. It is understood from the above that every region has unique traditions and different interpretations of the culture. The kocek tradition is only one of the living traditions that is unique to the Black Sea region. Kocek is the male dancer dressed as female, playing, singing and dancing in women's clothes. It's been more difficult to raise koceks at Ottomans' times, although kocek profession has reportedly become easier after the Republic. Although non-Muslims performed most of the kocek tradition at Ottomans' times; the distinction between Muslims and non-Muslims disappeared in time. Ethnology research methods and techniques are used in this study. The information obtained in the due process is attempted to be examined. This study attempts to shed light on the kocek tradition in Zonguldak city, investigating how they are raised, how and where kocek performances are held, and how they are viewed by the people of Zonguldak. Key words: Kocek, Kocek Tradition in Zonguldak, Places of Kocek Tradition