Author’s Name: Gülbün ONUR – İbrahim ÇOBAN
Title: Modernization or Americanization of Local Cultures: Turkish Example
Code: 3538
SELICUP 2010
MODERNIZATION OR AMERICANIZATION
OF LOCAL CULTURES: A TURKISH EXAMPLE
Gülbün Onur* - İbrahim Çoban*
Since the existence of mankind on earth it is with the settlements that we define ourselves and
it is by them that we are known. Our values find expression in our life styles and all is
displayed under a roof or at an outside setting. Respecting and responding to the traditional
norms create a particular unique identity which is today continuously under the pressure of
globalization. Globalization is no doubt a cultural phenomenon, as well as a political and an
economic one which causes a change. This new culture not only pollutes the identities but
also tries to wipe them out while altering them into something else.
Therefore a ceaseless play of differences ensures that there is no fixed point in the process of
values. Instead, with a dynamic popular culture we witness a fascinating play of possibilities.
Just like in language, there is a dialogic interplay between the past utterances and the new
with the absence of things in the decoration of interior and exterior settings of hotels,
restaurants, coffeehouses and shops.
The aim of this study is to display and analyze through photographs and video the three layers
of meaning which is a display of the characteristic domination of popular culture’s integration
with the past, present in the name of so called modernism in Konya. At the same time two
different villages Aşağı Çiğil, a very old settlement and a village, Mecidiyeköy of Ilgın region,
which migrated from the northeast because of the Russian invasion is used to support
evidence for what has changed in time in ceremonies like marriages and funerals.
Interior and exterior decorations are the focus and stand point to prove the quality of change
as the local transforms into the popular and vice versa.
Finally, religious souvenirs, ornaments, and posters of Islamic art will also be included in the
presentation to emphasize the disharmony and fragmentation in taste.
In conclusion, the change in the rural regions takes place in slow motion compared to those in
urban settings. An ironic effect as parody is achieved as popular culture violates the unique
and the aesthetic. As a result the study demonstrates that there is almost no particular taste or
style in public settings in Konya and that, in the name of modernization, an eclectic
distasteful, consuming culture occurs.
Key Words: Popular culture, local culture, Globalization, Modernization, Konya, Ilgın
Works cited
Barthes Roland, “Myth Today” Mythologies. A. Lavers, NewYork:Hill and Wang. 1972.
Doğu Batı, “Popular Kültür” Dergi sayı 15. Temmuz 2001 İSSN: 1303-7242.
*Gülbün Onur, Assist. Prof. Dr. Head of the English Language and Literature Dept., Faculty
of Letters, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
*İbrahim Çoban, Lecturer, Faculty of Fine Arts, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
Assist. Prof. Dr. Gülbün ONUR
Personal Information
Title: Assistant Professor Doctor/ The Director of Foreign Language School
Areas of Interest: Literature, drama.
E-Mail: gonur@selcuk.edu.tr
Office Phone: (0332) 2231533/2233180
Fax:
(0332)2410106
Educational Background
B.A: Istanbul University, English Language and Literature Department, Istanbul.
M.A/Ph. D: Selcuk University, English Language and Literature Department, Konya.
Academic Work
Presentations and Articles
•
Onur, G. (2008). Hollow Conventions in Shaw's Pygmalion and Agaoglu's The
Cacoons, 31 st Comparative Drama Conference, Loyola Marymount, Los Angeles,
USA.
•
Onur, G. (2008). The relation between Culture and Language, Shevchenko
University, Ukraine.
•
Onur, G. (2007). Imitations, Longing, and Exhaustion in two poems ofW.H. Davies,
Uluslararasi Dil, Yazin, Deyisbilim Sempozyumu, Selcuk Universitesi
•
Onur, G. (2007). Margaret Drubble'in Jarusalem the Golden'inda Roman Kisisinin
SimfBilinci ve Kaygilari, Dil Tarih Cografya Fakiiltesi.
•
Onur, G. (2005). Tone and Rhythm in the Selected Letters of James Joyce, METU
British Novelists Seminar.
•
Onur, G. & Tuta§, N. (2005). Teaching Drama from an Aesthetic Point of View,
Selcuk Universitesi ELT Conference.
•
Onur, G. (2005). Cevat Fehmi Baskurt'un "Harputta Bir Amerikah" adh Oyunun
Gostergebilimsel Acidan incelenmesi, Harran Universitesi XIX. Dilbilim Kurultayi.
•
Onur, G. (2004) Theatrical Aspects in Sons and Lovers, D. H. Lawrence and His Work.
Ed. Nurten Birlik. The Eleventh METU British Novelist Proceedings. Dec. 18
•
Onur, G. & Zerenler, D. (2003). Alii He Firfiri: Bir Masal Cozumlemesi,
Cumhuriyet Kitap, Oguz Tansel Ozel Sayisi,sayi:624, s:3.
•
Onur, G. (2002). Abuse of Authority: Pinter's Applicant, Dumlupinar
Universitesi, Harold Pinter Conference, Kutahya, April 11
•
Onur, G. (Onur, G. (2001). Reconstruction of the Texts of the Past: Ackroyd's English
Music. Selcuk Universitesi Yayini.
•
Onur, G. (2000). Far From the Madding Crowd'da Renkler, Seyfi Karabas.
Armagani. ODTU Yabanci Diller Egitimi Yayini.
•
Onur, G. (2000). Middlemarch ve Aydin Kavrami, Selcuk Universitesi, Fen Edebiyat
Fakiiltesi Dergisi, sayi:13, s:81.
•
Onur, G. (2000). Impact ofWWI: Human Instintcs and False Illusions in Georgian Poetry,
21st All-Turkey English Literature Conference, Civilisation and British Culture. p:84.
•
Onur, G. (1999). Happiness as a Matter Of Soul: Middlemarch, Proceedings of the
Seventh METU British Novelists Seminar, p:81.
•
Onur, G. & Tutas, N. (1998) Timeless Popularity of Oliver Twist, Proceedings of the
Sixth METU British Novelists Seminar: Charles Dickens, 12-13 March, pp.101-111.
•
Onur, G. (1997). Sassoon'un §iirinde Turkunun Seriiveni, Bati Edebiyatinda Sevgi ve
Ho§gorii Ustiine, Giindogan Yayinlari, s:86
.
Onur, G. (1997). Oguz Tansel'in "Cocuklar" Siiri ve Mutluluga Ozlem, Call Edebiyat
Dergisi.
•
Onur, G. (1994). Far From the Madding Crowd'da Yanilgimn Sesi, Selcuk
Universitesi, Fen Edebiyat Fakultesi Dergisi, sayi:6, s:365-370.
•
Onur, G. (1993). Fanny Robin: A Tragic Figure, Selcuk Universitesi, Fen
Edebiyat Fakultesi Dergisi, sayi:6, s:365-370.
Other Professional Activities / Scientific Meeting Arrangement;
•
"Yabanci Dil Ogrenmenin Onemi", Konya Sosyal Bilimler Lisesi etkinlikleri
cercevesinde "Soylesi"
•
S.U. "Teaching as a Challenge: Innovations in ELT" Organised in Collaboration with
the English Language Office of the American Embassy, 6-7 January 2005, Konya
. 22nd All-Turkey English Literature Conference, 25-27 April 2001, Konya