Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
MILLI FOLKLOR, cilt.18, sa.141, ss.115-132, 2024 (AHCI)
It is known that the tradition of stamping is continued by putting marks on many items such as tombstones, carpets and rugs, iron tools, ornaments, architectural structures, weapons, trees and stones in Turkish culture. It is a well-known fact that one of the oldest examples of the stamp tradition in Turkish culture is the livestock branding tradition. Scientific studies on stamps and stamp -shaped signs have been going on for a long time. Although the findings have created an important literature and data source, there are still countless examples of traditional practices and stamps waiting to be researched, discussed and brought to the literature in Anatolia, which is home to a rich stamp tradition. This study aims to analyse the historical and cultural context of livestock branding culture applied in Samsun region and its surrounding settlements, the functions of livestock branding, the characteristics of brands, how the livestock branding process takes place, cultural transmission and preparation of an inventory. In this study, a qualitative approach is adopted as the research method, since it is aimed to analyse and describe the livestock branding culture profoundly. Ethnography (cultural analysis) is preferred as the research design. Data is collected using a semi -structured interview form with unattended and mechanical observation. The group to be observed and interviewed is determined according to the criterion -based sampling method, which is one of the non -probability sampling methods. Data collection with the ethnographic method may take a few days and weeks, or it may take a year or more. Field studies for observations, interviews, and photo shoots of livestock brands on buffaloes are carried out in the Yesilirmak and Kizilirmak Delta Wetland Area and different districts of Samsun from April to October in 2019 and 2022. Since the theoretical dimensions of this research are formed, descriptive analysis technique is used to solve the data obtained through unattended observation, audio and video recordings made with mechanical tools, and semi -structured interview. Expert opinion is sought to test the reliability. Findings show that livestock branding culture in Samsun region has an important historical background and cultural context. It is seen that the culture of branding horses continues, although it is especially concentrated on buffaloes in the research area. As a result of the study, 104 livestock brands are identified in the Samsun region and these are recorded with photographs. It has been determined that these livestock brands detected in the region are divided into five forms as numeral, Latin alphabet, reminiscent of the brands of Turkish tribes, old Turkish alphabet and similar to the livestock brands in different countries and geographies.