A folkloristic investigation about Çatalca, a district of İstanbul

Çatalca is thousands of years old of a human habitat. It is notable with its geographic position, agriculture and water sources where its people are multi-cultured. Its location, background and the population exchange are the factors that support this fact and it can be seen in the local history, traditions, dance and food. Today's its people are respectful to the differences and even proud of this characteristic. There is integration in community life in terms of multicultural society. Judas tree and its color have significant importance in Çatalca. There is a festival named after Judas tree and several public properties are painted in its color. Festivals date back to history, some of which Padishahs and nobles attended. Organic farming and the existence of clean drinking water resources are other attributes of Çatalca. For these reasons heavy industry and construction are moderated. Elbasan and İnceğiz Caves are examples to ancient structures. Aqueduct and Anastasius Walls are known historical architectures. Kız Taşı, myth of Shahmaran and Legends of Balkan War are some of the tales beside the local stories told by the citizens. Çanakça Baba is one of the many hollyman whose mausoleum resides within Çatalca. Phases of life, those starts via birth and end through death, possess local traditions. Vasilaki Efendi, Bacanos Brothers and Ataol Behramoğlu are some of important individuals of Çatalca. Disappearing of festivals, farming, lack of care for historical structures and nature are under the attention of local people.