Celebrating Special Occasions in Turkey: Family, Food, and Generosity

Turkish people celebrate everything with crowded tables, endless tea, loud conversations, and a deep sense of generosity. Guests are treated like kings.

1. Bayram (Religious Holidays – Ramadan and Sacrifice Feast)

• Children kiss the hand of elders and place the hand on their forehead

• Elders give money or candy to children

• First day is for visiting oldest relatives

• Graves of deceased family are visited on the last day

• No work or school for the full holiday

2. Ramazan (Ramadan) – Iftar Dinner

During the month of Ramadan, families break their fast together at sunset. The iftar table is always crowded with soup, bread, olives, cheese, dates, and a hot main dish.

• A cannon fires in many cities to signal iftar time

• Dates and water are eaten first to break the fast

• Soup is always the first course

• No one eats until the call to prayer (ezan) is heard

• Inviting a neighbor or poor person is considered sacred

3. Düğün (Weddings)

Weddings last 1-3 days depending on the region. The main day includes: bride fetching, civil ceremony, gold pinning, and dancing until morning.

• Henna night for women (1-2 days before)

• Guests pin gold coins and money on the couple

• Drum and zurna players lead the wedding procession

• Dancing (halay) continues for hours

• No alcohol in conservative weddings

4. Sünnet (Circumcision Ceremony)

A boy (usually age 5-12) is circumcised. This is celebrated like a small wedding with a special costume, a procession, and gifts. It marks the boy becoming a man.

• The boy wears a special prince costume with a cape and staff

• He rides a decorated horse or car through the neighborhood

• Guests give gold coins pinned to his chest

• A huge feast is prepared for relatives and neighbors

• Ice cream is always served

5. Yeni Eve Taşınma (Housewarming)

• First item brought into a new kitchen is a loaf of bread (for abundance)

• Guests bring sugar (sweetness) and coffee (hospitality)

• The new home owner cooks a meal for guests

• Never step over the doorstep (walk through carefully)

• Salt is placed at the door for protection

6. Asker Uğurlama (Sending Off a Soldier)

When a young man is drafted into the military, a large farewell party is held. Everyone cries, prays, and throws water behind his car for good luck.

• A mevlit (religious prayer reading) is held at home

• The young man wears a Turkish flag around his neck

• Water is thrown behind the departing car (so he returns like water)

• Everyone cries openly (no shame)

• Neighbors bring food for the family