Pre Birth Ceremonies of Hatay Turcomans

Change is the only constant and this is especially true for social life and culture. Many traditions slowly but surely evolve, change or die a slow death. Some, especially in closed communities, are more resilient than others.

In her research (for Ministry of Culture, 14-30 Jun 1999), Meltem E. Santur has noted her findings about traditions related to pre birth (before or after conception) among Turcoman[1] villages in the city of Hatay. The city was founded by Seleucus, one of Alexander's generals. With a recorded history of 2300 years, it was governed by Persians, Sassanids, Romans, Abbasids, Aksids, Selchuks, Mamluks and Ottomans. Turcomans settled in Hatay during the reign of Selchuks.

According to Turcomans, child is a prerequisite to marriage[2]. It is a mark of a healthy sexual life and proof of male fertility. When asked, few claim boys are preferred over girls but almost all ceremonies are geared to having a boy:

• When the bride is getting of the vehicle (Hidirbey, Paslikaya, Yeditepe villages) about to step into her new home (Karatas, Kuzuculu, Terzihuyuk), she is given a a baby boy to carry with her[3].
• A boy is placed inside the bride's bed, to play some time (Karsu, Paslıkaya).
• On Supha Day (the virginity of the bride is celebrated, among women only), a midwife or a pregnant woman becomes the bridesmaid (Hidirbey).
• Again on Supha Day, bride's veil is rolled by a cihld with a rolling pin (Hidirbey, Karatas).

[1]Turcomans, Turkmens: I am using the term loosely.
[2]I am aware of the peculiarity of the phrase but there really is no other way to describe how closely children are associated with marriage among the subject group.
[3]So much for romanticism :-)

Image: Ulku Ozel Akagunduz