Traditional Food Consumption Tendency of Local People: The Case of Rize

Abstract

Traditional foods, one of the most important symbols of cultural heritage, have become more important today than ever. Traditional foods are also an important tool for the development of rural areas. In spite of this, changes in all areas threaten cultural heritage in recent years. The aim of this study is to reveal the role of local people in the protection of traditional food in Rize and in carrying them to the next generations. The study was carried out between July 2019 and February 2020, with 390 consumers aged between 15 and over, who stated that they had a relationship with rural areas. The data were collected by structured questionnaires and face-toface interviews with consumers and evaluated with chi-square test and frequency tables. 98.5% of the consumers participating in the research consumed traditional food. Significant relationships were determined between gender, marital status, age, educational status, number of individuals in the family, income status, occupation and frequency of traditional consumption. Consumers consume traditional foods because they are natural, healthy and delicious. Traditional foods are mostly prepared in homes. In light of all the data, it is understood that the local people have a key role in transporting traditional foods to the future.