Project Title: Coordinated Social "Gün" Gathering Background: "Gün" is a long-standing tradition in Turkey where friends, neighbours, and relatives come together to socialize, share food, and create lasting bonds. The Origins of GÜN: This tradition has roots in Turkish social customs as a way to build economic support networks. GÜN gatherings serve as informal “savings clubs,” an approach seen in many cultures worldwide. In Turkey, it has evolved particularly among women as a way to maintain close social ties while offering financial aid to each other in a structured but friendly environment. Dynamics of Creating a GÜN Group: Members are often friends, relatives, or neighbours who join a rotating savings and credit association (ROSCA) setup, much like similar groups in cultures across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. They gather at each member’s home on a rotating basis to pool funds, which are given to one member each time, providing each participant with a substantial sum periodically. Participation and Exclusivity: GÜN traditionally includes women, as they are seen as a safe, trusted space for sharing personal stories, exchanging advice, and strengthening social bonds. This exclusivity reinforces trust, a crucial element for the financial exchange involved. For example, my mother has a GÜN group with her high school friends. Participant Limit: Practical limitations generally keep groups small, though this varies widely depending on the community and purpose of the group. Some GÜN groups might include only five to ten people, while others could be larger, depending on trust levels and logistical factors like hosting space. People have been known to borrow chairs from neighbours when they have a big GÜN group. Host Selection: Hosting duties rotate among members, ensuring each has an equal role and opportunity to host and be celebrated in their home. The rotation fosters a sense of equality and accountability, as each participant knows their turn will come. Sometimes GÜN goers may have special occasions that disrupt the GÜN host list. In these cases, the GÜN group can grant them a chance to conduct the GÜN session they’re hosting later or sooner than planned. Budget Decisions: For example, in a group of 10 participants, if each person contributes 1 gram of gold per “Gün,” you will visit the homes of the other 9 participants and give them a total of 9 grams of gold throughout the cycle. When it’s your turn to host, you receive 9 grams of gold from the others. While it may seem like everyone is giving and receiving the same amount, the key is that you gather a lump sum instantly when hosting, but you pay it back gradually over time. In this way, it serves as a method of saving. Group members decide the contribution amount based on everyone’s financial capacity. This can also be influenced by the community’s economic status or specific group needs, providing flexibility and inclusivity. All participants agree on the contribution amount before each “Gün” cycle starts. Multiple bonds—both social and financial—help keep the group cohesive. Frequency and Timing: While…