Paper Short Abstract:

This research examines the adaptation of rural rituals in Gümüşhane, focusing on folklore dances, culinary traditions, festivals, rest and recreation culture. Through qualitative interviews and field studies, the study highlights the significance of rural rituals in contemporary urban contexts.

Paper Abstract:

This research examines the adaptation and transformation of rural rituals in Gümüşhane, a small city in northeastern Turkey, highlighting their significant impact on urban society and cultural continuity. The study focuses on various cultural aspects, including folklore dances like horon and halay, culinary traditions such as pestil and köme, wedding customs, yayla culture, and rosehip festivals. Gümüşhane serves as a unique case study, where rural traditions are reshaped within an urban context due to rapid urbanization and globalization.

As rural populations migrate to cities like Gümüşhane in search of better opportunities, their rituals evolve to fit the urban milieu. This cultural blending results in a dynamic interplay between traditional practices and contemporary urban life. The transition from an agrarian economy to industrialization is a key factor influencing these transformations, affecting resource availability and ritual performance.

Additionally, the diverse social landscape of the city encourages interaction between individuals from various backgrounds, leading to adaptations in rural rituals that reflect urban preferences. This research employs in-depth qualitative interviews, documentary analysis, field studies across neighborhoods, and participant observations to explore the lived experiences of individuals influenced by these changes. While acknowledging its limitations, the qualitative approach enables a nuanced understanding of the phenomenological experiences of participants and the power dynamics at play, contributing to a broader comprehension of cultural transformation in modern societies. Recognizing the significance of rural rituals within urban environments is crucial as urbanization continues to reshape contemporary cultural landscapes.