ATTITUDES TOWARD FUNERAL RITUALS AND TRANSFORMING PRACTICES IN TURKEY
TÜRKİYE’DE CENAZE RİTÜELLERİNE İLİŞKİN TUTUMLAR VE DÖNÜŞEN PRATİKLER
Abstract
This study examines the transformation of funeral rituals in Turkey through participants' lived experiences. While these rituals traditionally revolved around religious symbols and reinforced social solidarity and mourning support, they have recently evolved into practices that reflect individual expression, simplification, and digital adaptation. In-depth interviews with 45 participants from various provinces reveal that some rituals have lost their meaning, are performed out of social obligation, and are often perceived as insincere. Within the framework of Collins’ Interaction Ritual Chain Theory, the findings show that while rituals still have the potential to generate emotional energy and a sense of belonging, those seen as forced or hollow lose this impact. The study concludes that funeral rituals are undergoing a functional and symbolic shift, shaped by both societal norms and individual needs, which in turn influences mourning experiences and social cohesion.
Keywords
Funeral Rituals in Turkey, Ritual Transformation, Interaction Ritual Chain, Cultural Change, Traditional Practices
Article Statistics
Read:
Download:
LINKS
-
Article Statistics
-
Quote