An ethnographic study on rites of passage in Galatasaray High School's culture

In this study, the elements that constitute the school culture of Galatasaray High School were examined based on Arnold van Gennep's ritual theory presented in his book The Rites of Passage. The research is an ethnographic case study. Data for the study were obtained from 30 graduates of the high school through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The graduates consist of individuals who were students between 1950 and 2024. The data obtained were classified according to van Gennep's ritual theory. As Separation/Preparation rituals, the physical, historical, and social elements of the school were examined. As Liminal/Transition rites, the students' status as seniors was examined. As Incorporation rites, Pilav days, Şamata (Hubbub) nights, jargon, graduate students' supervising, protest culture, initiation to the Grand Cour and name calling were examined. These classified rituals were described and interpreted. Throughout the study, the school's rituals were traced chronologically from 1950 to 2024. It was observed that the rituals examined were interpreted and developed by the students over the years, thereby increasing their sense of belonging to the school.