Transformation of the gift culture: The case of Gaziantep

The aim of this study is to reveal the change of Gift Culture in Gaziantep, especially in line with the definition of this culture put forward by Marcel Mauss in his work titled Essay on Gifts. Mauss studies the gifted culture in archaic societies. Gift giving in archaic societies ensures the continuity of social relations. Gift culture plays an important role in the continuity of social relations in Gaziatnep from the primitive times to the end of the 20th century. At the beginning of the 21st century, changes are beginning to be seen in the gift culture. This research focuses on how the gift culture has changed in Gaziantep since the beginning of the 21st century. In order to reveal the reflections of this change in individuals and to determine how, with what effect and for what purpose the change is, interviews are held with people from the local people of Gaziantep. The interviewees are chosen between the ages of 18-40. In the light of the data obtained from the field, the change in the gift culture in Gaziantep is tried to be revealed. This research aims to fill the gap in the literature.