The Contexts of Gastronomic Traditions: An Examination of Ceremonial Foods and Their Role in Anatolian Cuisine Culture

OpenAlex İngilizce

Ceremonial foods and traditions, which are one of the most impor-tant elements of cuisine culture, play an important role in the transfer of this culture to future generations. In this context, the research aims to analyse the ceremonial foods and traditions in Anatolian cuisine culture, which has an ancient past, and to reveal their importance for the cultu-ral integrity of the society. The research was conducted using an ethnog-raphic design. For this purpose, the data obtained from 14 participants from 7 different provinces of Türkiye were used as primary sources. In order to be able to think about the general context of Anatolian cuisine, care was taken to ensure that the 7 cities selected were from 7 geograp-hical regions of Türkiye. The data obtained from 2 people selected from each city were analysed under different themes and categories through content analysis. In line with the data obtained, it was understood that there are 17 ceremonial foods or drinks. It was seen that the ceremonial foods and drinks in Anatolian cuisine culture consist of various types such as drinks, meals, snacks, products and desserts. The results of the research showed that many groups in Anatolia have overlapping or dif-ferent ceremonial food or cuisine traditions. It was also concluded that ceremonial traditions in Anatolian cuisine culture are often symbolised by food or food-related rituals. The findings based on the statements of the participants showed that communities living in various regions of Anatolia and having different ethnic and religious origins share common feelings through the symbolisation of food.