Kültürel Bir Mekân Olarak Çermik Hamami
Cermik Bath as a Cultural Venue

Summary/Abstract: Cermik, one of the counties of Diyarbakir, is known for its hot spring that is considered a ‘recovery centre’ in the vicinity. In fact, the county has been named after ‘cermik’ which means ‘hot water’. This thermal spring that is commonly called ‘hamam’ by the locals, fairly demonstrates its restoring quality with ‘Melike Belkis Legend’ that has been told by generations. Cermik bath has hosted bridal baths for long years. Nevertheless, losing its former significance and recognition with the changing face of society, this tradition has almost been forgotton during the last decade. Once being one of the important venues of social life, Cermik bath has also lead to numerous beliefs among the public. In particular, as one of the visiting places for those longing for a baby, it still continues to welcome many visitors from neighboring cities and towns at present. Cermik bath which, in the past, was a cultural venue for mothers choosing a girl/bride-to-be for their sons, as well as the organization of bridal bath entertainments and ‘recovery festivals’, today widely serves the tourism sector. However, considering the protection of the traditional values fed by historical richness that enable unity, solidarity and cultural amalgamation among the people; and the communities under the threat of having lost or losing their cultural values in a developing and globalizing world, it must be re-considered.

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