The use of cultural elements by organizing companies i̇n the context of bitlis example

In today's world, the concept of culture has begun to take shape in accordance with the modern era, and a significant transformation can be observed between traditional values and mass culture. This shift stems from the differences between customs and traditions—produced by the people—and the popular culture adopted by certain communities. Traditional values have gradually changed in response to the demands of the modern age and have increasingly turned towards Western influences. Consequently, this process has led to a gradual detachment from traditional cultural understanding. A major factor accelerating this transformation is the influence of social media platforms, which have directed individuals toward event planning companies, the producers of such content. These companies, which provide services based on customer demands, often draw inspiration from Western cultural models. In this context, many cultural elements such as weddings, henna nights, engagement ceremonies, circumcision feasts, "kırklama" (a postpartum ritual), folk dances, and "diş hediği" (a tradition for teething babies) are still practiced in Bitlis and its districts. However, these traditions are increasingly surrounded by modern elements influenced by the West. Celebrations such as baby showers, gender reveal parties, and marriage proposals involving drones have recently found a place in daily life. This study aims to examine the major event planning companies operating in Bitlis and its districts—including Hanzade Organization, Tacmin Organization, 1001 Çeşit Organization, Ecem Organization, and Hizan Burak Organization—by focusing on how cultural elements are applied and how they have transformed under modern influences.