Cultural similarities in Lausanne emigrants: An evaluation in terms of the hospitality value

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare the cultural similarities of Lausanne Emigrants who were forced to compulsory migration in accordance with the Treaty of Lausanne from Develi region of Kayseri to Kozani and Ioannina regions of Greece in terms of the “hospitality” value. Conducted during the two separate trips to the region during 2017 and 2019, the study has the characteristics of a descriptive survey model. The study was designed as a qualitative case study, and interview and observation techniques were used. Everyone who participated in the study stated that hospitality is important, and although in the past people used to visit each other frequently, this tradition has been forgotten recently, and the new generation has not paid much attention to it. While the participants stated that those who came from outside the village were regarded as guests of God and were entertained, they also stated that they have not had overnight guests anymore since there are hotels in their villages, but there are still overnight visitations among the relatives. While all of the participants expressed that hospitality is their ancestral tradition and these traditions should be protected, they also stated that the younger generation has not given much attention to these values with the spread of internet and especially social media. Following the footsteps of this study results, wedding and marriage rituals and traditions, funeral traditions and food culture of the emigrants can be examined in future studies. Key words: Develi, Greece, hospitality, Kozani, Lausanne, migration, population exchange.