Soldier wedding in Kaynarca (Military drafting in Turkey)

Ustunova M., Ustunova K.

JOURNAL OF FOLKLORE RESEARCH, vol.43, no.2, pp.175-186, 2006 (AHCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 43 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF FOLKLORE RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.175-186
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Young male Turks are obligated by law to serve in the military, and military service is seen by many as a rite of passage into manhood. In the Thracian region of Turkey, a ceremony called the "soldier wedding" has developed for sending young draftees off for their military service. Structured similarly to a wedding ceremony, this event involves virtually everyone in the community. This article follows one such ceremony in the town of Kaynarca and describes the activities and attitudes that surround it.