Tattoo as a symbolic tool of communication in today's postmodern world: The case of Elazığ

Tattoo as one of the methods of self-expression in interpersonal communication; It defines these permanent symbols that are carved on the body and carried individually by people from past to present, with natural dyes that do not harm the body, and through a number of pointed materials. Since tattoo practices are historically based on ancient times, it has a great role in our recognition of the cultures and civilizations of past societies. When we look at the history of tattooing, tattoo figures appear as a means of expression used by people through various symbols and images. These symbols are a set of shapes that reflect the individual identity of individuals such as belonging, commitment to society, heroism and punishment. The aim of this study is to show how the tattoo symbols that are carried individually today are chosen, what they want to tell the society with these symbols, and what kind of feedback is received from their environment regarding these symbols, especially in the province of Elazig. In addition, the education level, age, gender and occupation of the preferred symbols and the relationships between these preferences are evaluated. In the study, the development of tattoo, types and characteristics of tattoos, as well as some tattoo symbols and the meanings of these symbols are discussed. In order to reach the aim of the study, the scanning model was used as the research method. The study conducted for this purpose is a qualitative research and was carried out by choosing the Phenomenology design. The interview form prepared for the universe was applied to one hundred and thirty-seven participants within the scope of criterion sampling, one of the purposeful sampling methods. The content analysis of the data obtained as a result of the study was made and the conclusions reached later were discussed in the conclusion section. Keywords: Tattoo, Symbol, Motif