Street vending and market trading in the context of occupational folklore in Osmaniye

In this study, the occupational folklore formed by market traders and street vendors operating in Osmaniye has been examined, and the socio-cultural functions of these groups have been revealed. The relationship between officially registered market traders, sellers who set up temporary stalls around the marketplace, street vendors, and the customers with whom they engage in economic, social, and cultural interactions has created a cultural environment. Market traders and street vendors have been evaluated as groups that come together to carry out a specific occupation, and in this context, they have been analyzed within the framework of occupational folklore. After defining the concepts of work and occupation, the study describes the tasks carried out by market traders and street vendors. Then, considering the history of these two professions in Osmaniye, information has been provided regarding their current operation and functions. The places and times in which market traders and street vendors operate, as well as the tools, equipment, and language they use, are presented under separate headings. Dialogues between producers, sellers, and buyers during the execution of these professions are included, with emphasis on the influence of traditions, social structure, and perceptions on these occupations. The relationship between migration and these two professions has been discussed, analyzing the reasons why individuals who migrated internally and externally have chosen these occupations. In the third part of the study, product sellers and service providers have been separately evaluated and classified. This classification has been based on data obtained through fieldwork. In addition to market traders and street vendors in Osmaniye province and its districts, interviews were also conducted with consumers, leading to further evaluations. Keywords: Osmaniye, market vendor, street seller, occupational folklore, İsneyn Market