THE IMPACT OF SHOPPING CENTERS ON TURKISH CULTURE: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY

Authors : Fatemeh Badel, Arya Sabouryfar, Jesús López Baeza, Ruşen Yamaçli

Pages : 521-536

Doi:10.30692/sisad.1295557

View : 139 | Download : 155

Publication Date : 2023-11-30

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :In recent years, shopping centers have risen to prominence as spaces that not only offer a diverse array of products and retail experiences but have also become key sites for social interactions and cultural transformations. Historically, markets also transcended their roles as mere economic hubs, serving as communal gathering places where individuals convened to exchange knowledge, learn about significant matters, and make decisions. Turkey\'s ancient bazaars exemplify the social significance embedded within marketplaces. However, the proliferation of shopping centers has ushered in a shift in these spaces, with people increasingly opting for malls as destinations for leisure and social engagement. As the influence of shopping malls has surged, it has triggered cultural transformations and reshaped social behaviors and exchanges. Contemporary shopping malls no longer bear the same civic and cultural roles as traditional bazaars. Consequently, the ascent of shopping centers has left an indelible mark on Turkish culture, contributing to the emergence of a skewed consumerist society. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the evolution of bazaars and shopping centers, placing particular emphasis on the cultural aspects that have been impacted by the proliferation of the latter.
Keywords : Alışveriş merkezi, Tüketimcilik, Küreselleşme, Çarşı