Folklore studies in the villages of Şile district of İstanbul

Throughout the centuries, Şile has been a home to various communities, with such features as; its geolocation, short distance to Istanbul, the purpose it had in the history and folkloric characteristics remarkable. Since Manavs, Ahiska Turks, Circassians and Bosnians populate in the district, the variety of cultures are utterly rich. Living together as one community from different ethnic groups, individuals have succeeded to preserve their customs and traditions. New cultural heritages and faiths have formed throughout long years. Despite the technological developments, remaining of folkloric elements displays that local residents have dignified and attached importance to their culture. This study includes information on the lifestyle in villages, folk architecture, an essential value of the district, cloth of Şile and economic activities; transition periods of mores and beliefs, information on folk clothing; folk medicine and folk calendar; folk beliefs, folk entertainment, special days-ceremonie; folk cuisine; folk narrations, folk poetry, and folk language has examined. In the conclusion of collected researches, local community appear to be partially adapting their folk beliefs, traditions and commons into modern time with the purpose these practices. Besides, it also concluded value and dignity towards culture have maintained by the community and municipality with cultural organisations. In spite of the technologic developments, rural depopulation, and the growth of the tourism industry in the region, shielding cultural elements is worthy of attention.