Laurel tree in Hatay folk culture

Hatay, which has been hosted to many civilizations throughout history and bears traces of a multicultural life, is a very rich city in terms of folk culture. The laurel (daphne) tree which is among the lemur species, is also very common in Hatay, where many plant species are grown in the Mediterranean climate. The purpose of this study is to reveal the folk beliefs and narratives of laurel in Hatay folk culture, the production and intented use of laurel products with traditional methods, to decide their functional characteristics and to contribute to the preservation and survival of their traditional culture by recording the material and nonmaterial cultural elements which facing extinction with globalization. For this purpose, field research was carried out in the districts of Hatay, mainly in Antakya and interview and observation (with/without participation) techniques were used. 90 reference people were reached in the field and obtained data were analyzed within the scope of functional theory. As a reflection of the tree cult, whose sanctity dates back to the past, various beliefs and practices developed around the laurel tree and added diversity to Hatay folk culture. Hatay Laurel Soap produced with the traditional production technique and the laurel fruit collected in the region is registered as a geographical indication product. The fact that the daphne is important for the local people both through its public narratives and its products also raises the idea that it can be evaluated within the scope of SOKUM. As a result of the study, some practices related to laurel narratives living in oral culture and in the memory of the people, and some beliefs and practices that preserve the functionality and importance of oil and soap production have lost their importance. Laurel which has become the symbol of the city with its multifaceted structure, continues to be important for the local people. Key Words: Folk culture, Tree Cult, Hatay, Laurel (Daphne), Functional Theory, SOKUM