Soldier wedding in Kaynarca (Military drafting in Turkey)

Abstract

Young male Turks are obligated by law to serve in the military, and military service is seen by many as a rite of passage into manhood. In the Thracian region of Turkey, a ceremony called the "soldier wedding" has developed for sending young draftees off for their military service. Structured similarly to a wedding ceremony, this event involves virtually everyone in the community. This article follows one such ceremony in the town of Kaynarca and describes the activities and attitudes that surround it.