Kars-Iğdır Bölgelerinde Ölüler Bayramı Ritüeli'nin Kültür Aktarımındaki Rolü

This research examines the function of the traditional Feast of the Dead ritual in the cultural transmission process in the Kars and Iğdır regions from a multifaceted perspective. Cultural rituals have a fundamental role in preserving the ties of societies with the past, creating collective identity and ensuring the transfer of information between generations. In this context, the study evaluates the concept of cultural transmission within a theoretical framework and details the historical, sociological and anthropological dimensions of the Feast of the Dead. In particular, the origins of the ritual, its historical development and the forms of application in the region are analyzed and the effects of this cultural practice on society are examined.One of the main focuses of the research is to evaluate the implementations of the Feast of the Dead in Kars and Iğdır regions from a comparative perspective. It is emphasized that the ritual is a cultural element that strengthens social solidarity and reinforces the sense of social belonging, beyond being a mere religious practice. In this context, the effects of family structure, belief systems and local traditions on the ritual are discussed and their role in cultural transmission processes is revealed. The differences in practices at the regional level are evaluated in relation to social dynamics and the role of this ritual in ensuring cultural continuity is analyzed.In addition, the study examines the effects of sociocultural changes such as modernization, urbanization and migration on the sustainability of the ritual. The transformation of traditional practices over time is evaluated, especially through the attitudes and participation levels of the younger generations towards this ritual. In the context of the protection of cultural heritage, the interaction between individual and social memory is examined, and the function of ritual in the formation of collective identity is revealed. In this process, inferences are made about how ritual is used as a tool in terms of social harmony, belonging and identity development.In addition, in the context of sustainability of cultural transmission, suggestions were developed for the preservation of oral traditions, ritual practices and their place in social memory. Supported by literature review, interviews with local people and observations, this research provides important findings about the place of the Feast of the Dead in the social structure of the region and future preservation processes. As a result, this study, which provides a theoretical and empirical framework for understanding the deep effects of cultural rituals on social structure, comprehensively examines the role played by rituals in ensuring cultural continuity in Kars and Iğdır regions.