A sociological assessment on customs and traditions on birth, circumcision, Marriage, and death in Mehrikoz region of Komotini, Greece

In this study, customs and related folk beliefs on the transition periods of human life, namely birth, marriage and death in Mehrikoz Region of Gümülcine (Komotini), Greece are handled in sociological terms.The study consists of three parts. In the first part, birth was handled. `Circumcision?, which takes place shortly after birth was also handled under this title. In the second part `marriage? and in the third part `death? was handled.After having reviewed and summarized the relevant information found in written sources on birth, circumcision, marriage and death customs, beliefs and practices acquired form oral sources of residents of Mehrikoz in Western Thrace were given in detail. It was tried to find out the relation between these customs, beliefs and practices and those found in the old Turkish culture.As a result of this study, it was found out that Mehrikoz folk culture has imprints of Anatolian belief and culture. These imprints, which mainly stem from Islam are still observed in customs, beliefs and daily culture of Mehrikoz region.Keywords: Western Thrace ? Mehrikoz Region, Birth, Circumcision, Marriage, Death.