| This dissertation is a study of the decoration of homes in Ketendere, a village north of the town of Milas in Turkey's southwestern province of Mugla. I write about how people in Ketendere organize their interiors in accordance with their ethnic, aesthetic and religious values. Since I believe that interior home decoration is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather the creating of a sense of home as well as a relationship to that home and our loved ones, but my task is to approach home decoration as an artistic expression of cultural dynamism. Although my main focus will be on the interior decoration of homes in the village, I will also explore culturally related aspects, such as family, marriage, and a dowry or hope chest. All these are related to Turkish home decoration and should be investigated jointly to provide an understanding of the life and the experience of the entire community. I think that such cultural identifications will help in understanding Ketendere. This study will not seek to contribute to the understanding of social and economic changes occurring in Turkey, although it will touch on the beliefs, values, and activities of village life in their present context. Moreover, this study is not concerned with some of the conceptual problems related to terms such as "village," "nomadism" and "region" as they have been variously used in the social sciences.; In folklore studies, it is vital to understand the domestic environment and to appreciate people's creativity in their everyday lives. Shaping my ideas in local terms by focusing on specific individuals and understanding the people in Ketendere and their culture enables me to understand the art of home decoration as it reflects their ethnic and cultural identity as well as their own taste. I believe that this study gives me insights into the dynamics and principles of Turkish decoration and art. I hope to contribute to a better understanding and knowledge of my culture. |
