Armenian Culture in Anatolia: Dishes, Weddings, Funerals and Holidays

In Anatolia’s rich history, there have been many periods where cultures met and interacted. One of these periods is the early 20th century, particularly the last period of the Ottoman Empire and the founding years of Türkiye. Throughout the Ottoman Empire and the Republican period, Armenians continued to exist as one of the most important ethnic and religious groups in Anatolia. In the Ottoman Empire, Armenians lived in various regions and engaged in different fields such as trade and crafts. The Armenian community played a significant role in the economic and social life of the Ottoman Empire.

This research is based on oral history interviews to provide information about the cultural heritage of Armenians living in different regions of Türkiye. The interviews were carried out with Armenians who lived in the cities of Hatay, Sivas, Istanbul, Diyarbakır, and Kayseri and subsequently settled in Istanbul or abroad. The interviews focused on topics such as holidays, weddings, culinary culture, migration stories, and Armenian language practices. Each region has its unique cultural practices and different Armenian dialects. The interviews conducted in cities like Hatay, Sivas, Istanbul, Diyarbakır, and Kayseri demonstrated the diverse aspects and richness of the Armenian community.