Cherry cultivation in the context of the effect of regional products on socio-cultural structure: The example of Yeşilyurt

Production activities affect the social structure in various aspects, depending on the structure of production and the mode of production. Regional products shape the social structure by influencing different areas of the region where they are produced. Cherry cultivation in the Yeşilyurt district of Malatya has a great importance and has become a symbol representing the region by being among the elements of the social structure. In the study titled "Cherry Cultivation in the Context of the Effects of Regional Products on Socio-Cultural Structure: The Example of Yeşilyurt", first of all, the social structure dimensions of the production process and its effects on culture are discussed. In addition to the effects of Cherry Production in the process of changing and transforming society, it has been examined that it has a great spiritual value. The main purpose of the study is to examine the effects of regional products on the socio-cultural structure from a sociological perspective and in this context, to evaluate the cherry growers in Yeşilyurt from a socio-cultural perspective. Qualitative research method was used in this study. In-depth interview technique was chosen in order to obtain data suitable for the purpose and structure of the subject, and interviews were conducted with the interviewees in the sample group representing the universe. In this context, face-to-face interviews were conducted with a total of 40 interviewees, consisting of 20 women and 20 men, and the audio recordings of the interviews were written down in a later process and the data were analyzed by descriptive analysis method. The findings obtained as a result of the research; cherry cultivation has a place in many areas such as economic, social, political, cultural, business and working style, and daily life practices in the region. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the cherry fruit has different meanings in the Yeşilyurt region, the areas of use of cherries other than the fruit are common, and the cherry contributes to the region both positively and negatively, as well as adding social dynamism to the region. Basically, in the social structure, besides the processes of cherry growers processing and obtaining products from cherries, cherries were encountered in many cultural and social manifestations. Solidarity, unity and solidarity in the forms of social relations, especially in the formation of identity of individuals in the cherry growing process, in their socio-cultural lives, especially in food, clothing, ornaments and jewelry, dowry and handicrafts, are important in terms of their contribution to the region, especially in different fields. Cherry fruit also has a great significance for the local people in terms of meaning as a determining factor in individuals and has brought prestige to the region. Keywords: Regional Product, Cherry Growing, Production, Consumption, Cherry Production, Social structure, Culture.