Çerkeş Toplumunda Bir Hafıza Mekânı Olarak Zehes
Zehes: A Place of Memory among the Circassians

Summary/Abstract: The tradition of “zehes,” a kind of party which belongs to people of Circassian origin, has been perpetuated for a long time. It is not only a party in which people socialize, dance, and play games but also is a significant ritual and symbol that is shaped by the history and cultural values and codes of the Circassian. In organization of “zehes” is organized and conducted according to an order and pattern determined by traditional institutions and unwritten rules of these societies. The youth meet and socialize in these parties and start a relationship called “kaşenlik” which may end up with marriage. From this aspect, “zehes” enables endogamic marriages and thus ensures the mainte-nance of culture and cultural transmission. Also, “zehes ”functions as a realms of memory that makes the youth sustain their relationship with the community andstrenghtens their sense of belonging and ethnic identity.

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