An Analysis of Pomak Weddings through Cultural Identity Theory: The Role of Community Cohesion and Tradition

This study analyzes the traditional wedding practices of the Pomak community in Bulgaria through the lens of Cultural Identity Theory, exploring how these practices contribute to the formation and preservation of community identity. By applying analytical frameworks from leading scholars who have shaped Cultural Identity Theory, the study examines how the Pomak wedding functions as a crucial mechanism within the community, strengthening cultural identity and maintaining tradition even amidst external social pressures. The research analyzes how wedding rituals facilitate community interaction, assign social roles, establish cultural assets, and manage identity, offering an in-depth discussion on how the Pomak community reconstructs its traditions in the context of modernization and social change. Furthermore, this study aims to deepen understanding of the practical application of Cultural Identity Theory in real-world contexts.