Cultural Representation Practices and Meaning Production: Expression of Religious and National Values with Symbols

The symbols that people use to express themselves are used as an indicator of national consciousness, holiness, faith and religion. The value and importance they attach to these forms of expression are embodied especially with some symbols, and they become an important means of expressing oneself. Each user has symbols that they use for different purposes. The use of accessories with symbols containing Islamic meaning or figures reflecting national values has become common, especially in recent times. It is observed that different figures are used by different users around us, and it is assumed that these uses have a value not only in terms of aesthetics but also in terms of communication. Based on this assumption, the study investigates how users use icons as a means of communication, the data obtained is evaluated in line with their own opinions, and the purposes of their use are tried to be revealed. In this context, the subject of the study is the use of religious and national symbols in the context of communication in daily life. In this study, the purpose or intention of the symbols used in a way that can express a meaning at the social level is analyzed through objects used in daily life in line with user opinions, and the importance of symbols in the context of communication is evaluated. In this context, the aim of the study is to determine for what purposes and in what way the symbols thought to represent religious and national values are used as a form of visual communication. In the study, it is questioned within which meaning patterns a person establishes his values, beliefs, thoughts or point of view, not verbally but non-verbally, with the use of symbols. In this context, it is aimed to reveal the users' purpose, intention or desire of using symbols in the context of communication. Qualitative research technique was used and three questions were asked to the users using the semi-structured interview technique. Users were determined by criterion sampling, one of the purposeful sampling types, and a total of 26 people, 10 of whom were women, were interviewed. The data obtained as a result of the interview was subjected to qualitative content analysis, and codes, categories and themes were identified while interpreting the data. Themes regarding the answers given for each category were interpreted in the context of communication. According to the results obtained from the study, symbols containing religious and national values are used by both male and female users along with accessories such as rings, necklaces, bracelets and watches. While the letter Allah and the letters Elif Vav are frequently used in the use of religious symbols, the symbols of the star and crescent, IYI, crescent, tugra, double-headed eagle, gray wolf are used to express national feelings. As a result, symbolic objects are designed to reflect national feelings and thoughts; as a means of spiritual satisfaction that provides peace and happiness; reflecting the ideological point of view and being a transmitter of social identity; have religious meaning and value as an indicator of faith it has been determined that it has purposes of use such as protection from evil eyes and being a means of psychological relaxation.