Turkey celebrates a plethora of meaningful and enjoyable holidays, a vivid tapestry of traditions that unite the nation in festivity and reverence, embodying the rich diversity of Turkish holiday traditions. These celebrations fall into two main categories: religious holidays, stemming from significant days in Islam, and national holidays, which honor pivotal moments and figures in Turkish history, capturing the essence of Turkish identity. In this exploration, we’ll dive into the specifics of these holidays, unveiling the unique ways they come to life across the country, reflecting the deep cultural heritage and communal spirit that define them.

Turkish holiday traditions

In Turkey, holiday traditions begin with the significant practice of visiting elders, a gesture deeply rooted in the fabric of Turkish culture. On the first day of the holiday, it’s customary to pay a visit to older relatives or loved ones, who expect their families and friends to come. This practice embodies respect and honor towards the elders and is a cherished part of the holiday festivities. Additionally, it’s a widespread custom to kiss the hands of the elders and gently press them against the forehead as a sign of reverence and respect. This gesture, prevalent throughout Turkey, is particularly emphasized during holidays but also occurs in daily life, such as when children greet their parents by kissing their hands upon arrival or departure, often accompanied by the saying “Allaha ısmarladık,” which means “I leave you in the care of God.”

This image portrays a tender moment of cultural tradition, likely depicting a scene of respect or gratitude. A young boy in traditional attire, with a deep red hue and intricate embroidery, is holding the hand of an adult, poised to kiss it. The adult, wearing a similar red garment, gently rests their other hand on the child's head, indicating a gesture of blessing or endearment. The background is a light, neutral color, which puts the focus on the interaction between the two figures.

Another quintessential aspect of Turkish holiday traditions is the acceptance of hospitality, especially during visits. Elders prepare sweets and offer them to their guests, and refusing these offerings is considered disrespectful and hurtful. During religious holidays, a notable tradition is for elders to give money to the younger members of the family. Not only close relatives but also children from the neighborhood go from house to house, wishing everyone a happy holiday. In return, adults allow their hands to be kissed and give money or sweets to the children, regardless of the amount. This practice ensures that the children also enjoy the holiday, using the money they collect for their own small celebrations. These traditions underscore the deep-rooted values of respect, unity, and generosity that are central to Turkish holiday celebrations.

What holiday do Turkish people celebrate?

National Holidays in Turkey

A series of vibrant Turkish flags are hung in a row, adorning the facade of a classic European-style building with white stone and ornate windows. The red banners feature the distinctive white star and crescent of the Turkish flag. The architecture suggests this may be a public building or a street decorated for a national holiday, possibly in preparation for a celebration or a commemorative event.

April 23 – National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (23 Nisan – Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı)

Turkey has celebrated April 23 as National Sovereignty and Children’s Day since 1920, marking the establishment of the Grand National Assembly. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, dedicated this day to children to emphasize their role as the future of the new nation. Celebrations include children taking seats in the Parliament to symbolically govern the country for one day, cultural programs, and activities aimed at promoting unity and peace among children worldwide.

May 19 – Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (19 Mayıs – Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı)

This holiday, celebrated since 1938, commemorates Atatürk’s landing in Samsun on May 19, 1919, which marked the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence. The day honors Turkey’s youth and sports; it reflects Atatürk’s belief in the importance of young people and physical education to the nation’s well-being. Activities include sports competitions and ceremonies at monuments dedicated to Atatürk, highlighting his legacy and the youths’ role in Turkey’s future.

August 30 – Victory Day (30 Ağustos – Zafer Bayramı)

Victory Day has been celebrated since 1923, commemorating the decisive battle of Dumlupınar, which ended on August 30, 1922. This victory was a pivotal moment in the Turkish War of Independence, leading to the retreat of Greek forces from Anatolia. The day pays tribute to the Turkish Armed Forces and includes military parades and ceremonies at monuments throughout Turkey, especially at Atatürk’s mausoleum, Anıtkabir.

October 29 – Republic Day (29 Ekim – Cumhuriyet Bayramı)

Since 1923, Turkey celebrates the establishment of the Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This day marks the country’s transition to a republic from the Ottoman Empire. Celebrations include state ceremonies, fireworks, and performances, with the main events taking place in the capital, Ankara. The day underscores the achievements of the Turkish Republic and its significance in the hearts of the Turkish people.

Religious Holidays in Turkey

A warm and vibrant scene of a family gathering around a dinner table. The focus is on a woman in a blue sweater who is pouring water from a glass pitcher. She's engaged in conversation with a young girl seated across from her, wearing an orange top. To the left, a young man with a faint smile looks on, while a child wrapped in his arm gazes at the camera. At the head of the table, a man with a white sweater serves himself, next to a woman in a sleeveless top. On the right, an older woman in glasses and a polka dot dress smiles as she offers a bowl of golden potatoes to a teenage boy. The table is elegantly set with white plates, wine glasses, and a bottle of green wine. Festive lights twinkle in the background, adding to the cozy ambiance.

Ramadan Feast (Ramazan Bayramı) – Eid al-Fitr

The Ramadan Feast, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This three-day festival has been celebrated by Muslims around the world for centuries, dating back to the time of Prophet Muhammad. The celebration begins with a special prayer in the morning, followed by visiting relatives and graves of deceased loved ones, giving charity to the poor, and enjoying festive meals. It’s a time for forgiveness, fellowship, and feasting.

Sacrifice Feast (Kurban Bayramı) – Eid al-Adha

Celebrated 70 days after the end of Ramadan, the Sacrifice Feast commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Instead, God provided a ram to sacrifice. This four-day holiday involves the slaughtering of an animal, typically a sheep or a cow, and distributing its meat among family, friends, and the needy. It’s a profound expression of faith, charity, and gratitude, celebrated by Muslims worldwide since the time of Prophet Muhammad.

These holidays, both national and religious, not only reflect the cultural and historical richness of Turkey but also reinforce the values of unity, respect, and generosity across the nation.

Holiday Spirits: The Tradition of Setting Up an Alcohol Table during Holiday in Turkey

In Turkey, a segment of the population cherishes the tradition of setting up an alcohol table during holidays, particularly a raki table. This tradition showcases the nation’s diversity and the spirit of communal celebration. It transcends mere drink enjoyment, embodying the art of gathering, sharing delicious meals, and indulging in a variety of mezze. The choice of raki, along with finely prepared dishes, creates an evening full of warmth and connection.

The inclusion of alcohol in holiday festivities aims not at intoxication but at fostering joyous moments, engaging in meaningful conversations, and strengthening family ties. These gatherings thrive on cheerfulness, focusing on creating happy memories and enjoying the presence of loved ones. The alcohol table, especially the raki table, serves as a centerpiece to promote good spirits, deepen conversations, and reinforce the bonds among individuals.

Furthermore, this tradition reflects the inclusive and adaptable nature of Turkish culture, accommodating and reflecting a wide range of social and personal preferences. It proves that holiday celebrations in Turkey focus on uniting people, regardless of the means. Turkey manages to embrace modernity while maintaining values that promote unity, respect, and a deep sense of belonging. These gatherings’ essence lies in their ability to merge tradition with contemporary practices, capturing the true spirit of the holiday through laughter, conversations, and shared experiences.

I highly recommend checking out my blog posts related to Turkish culture as well!

Turkish Food Culture: Journey Through History and Regions

Turkish Dining Etiquette: Unwritten Rules

Cacık: Belongs to Turkish or Greek Cuisine?

Turkish Raki: A Trademark of Turkish Tradition

What is Ramadan? The question everyone is curious about

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