Faymonville Turkish Village and Carnival in Belgium

Abstract

Faymonville which is located in the Wallon region in Belgium is a village that is known as the "Turkish village" by the Turks. The naming of "Turkish village" of Faymonville is based on three regional myths and a carnival which is arranged regularly every year. The Faymonville carnival attracts attention for hosting "Turkish" images'/motives' reflection. By using the "Turkish" name as a nickname and a superordinate identity, the village folk passes on this identity with "oral tradition" and "carnival culture" to younger generations. For the people in Faymonville, the carnival means being disobedient against the system, getting away from banality and disguise. Thus, people act however they want to act by disguise and changing roles (man/woman, rich/poor), push the limits of entertainment and put away the monotony of daily life for a short time. The carnival which also symbolizes the transition between winter and spring has some collective 'psychodramatic functions such as decreasing hatred, anger and social tension. The aim of this study is to know and to identify Faymonville village, to seek answers to question of why the villagers call themselves "Turkish", and besides to see the reflections of the Turkish motives on their social institutions and their celebration of carnival.