We will tell you about iconic events in Turkey: civil holidays, religious events, popular festivals and more.
The Republic of Turkey is a vibrant and colorful country, and its celebrations are just as lively. We invite you to get acquainted with them remotely.
General information about events in Turkey
All holidays are conventionally divided into religious and civil ones, which reflect the contradictions within Turkish society.
Peculiarities of civil celebrations
They mark significant periods of the Kemalist revolution.
These are events within the country.
They are tied to the transitional Hijri calendar.
Do not have stable customs.
Peculiarities of religious events
They reflect the main stages of the evolution of the Islamic religion.
These events have an international character.
All holidays are tied to the dating from the birth of Christ.
They have strong roots in Turkish history.
In the 20th century, the republic became a "Turkish country" in terms of cultural development and simultaneously a European state in terms of social-administrative aspects.
Civil Holidays in Turkey
New Year (January 1)
Yilbasy Bayrami or New Year is a special holiday for the Turks. On this day, a tribute is paid to Atatürk, the ruler who elevated the principle of secularism to the dogmas of the Turkish Republic. As a confirmation of this, the Gregorian calendar was adopted in the country.
Children's Day (April 23)
On this official holiday, children are traditionally given gifts. Cities hold festive processions and competitions. It can be considered a family day when it is customary to go out into nature and spend the entire day together.
The special feature of this holiday is that children are given the opportunity to become deputies, mayors, and even the president for a day.
Solidarity and Labor Day (May 1)
It is slowly fading away. Rallies and marches are prohibited. Only active trade unionists remember this date as a historical event.
Mother's Day (second Sunday in May)
Muslims also respect and honor their mothers. Like in many other countries, they give gifts and flowers and try to relieve them of household chores.
Youth Day (May 19)
This national holiday is celebrated with unity and joy. Its history is associated with the first president of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. On May 19th, 1919, he addressed the nation. The holiday is celebrated on a grand scale, featuring:
airshow;
concerts;
other public events.
Victory Day (August 30)
The city of Izmir was liberated from the Greeks in 1922. Elaborate military parades are held in most cities to commemorate this day.
Republic Day (October 29)
This is the main state holiday in Turkey. In 1923, the country was declared a republic, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history. On this day:
folk, mass processions are held;
balloons and flags are hung out;
Numerous events are taking place;
fireworks are launched;
sing songs and dance from the heart.
Day of death of the first President of Turkey (November 10)
Commemoration of the Death of the First President of Turkey (November 10th) Military parades are held near Atatürk's mausoleum in Ankara to honor Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. At exactly 9:05 a.m., a minute of silence is observed throughout Turkey, with all transportation coming to a halt. Even airplanes do not take off during this time. The entire country pays tribute to the great Atatürk.
Religious Turkish festivals
Note that they are not tied to a specific date, but are floating. They are celebrated according to the Hijri lunar calendar.
Navruz (March 20, 2020)
In Turkey, it is celebrated as a festival of the awakening of nature and the beginning of a new life.
Before Navruz, it is customary to clean the house and decorate it with flowers.
On this day, all grievances are forgotten, debts are forgiven, and friends who have quarreled must be reconciled.
On the eve of the holiday, lentils or wheat are planted, which, after germination, become the main decoration of the table.
On the night of Navruz, you can tell fortunes.
In general, it is considered a fun family holiday.
Night of Mercy and Forgiveness or Beraat (falls on April 20, 2020)
On the night of a religious holiday, you need to read the Koran, pray and ask for the forgiveness of sins.
On this day, it is important to give a helping hand to people in need, to donate alms.
On the Night of Mercy, it is customary to visit with gifts from parents, and give sweets to children.
Ramadan (April 23 - May 23, 2020)
The most revered religious holiday is the holy Ramadan. The Turks believe that at this time you can become closer to Allah, gaining spiritual strength and purity.
All Muslims fast, both physically and spiritually.
Eating and drinking are allowed after sunset. Under a special ban are meat and alcohol.
The Holy Night of Power and Predestination (May 19, 2020)
Muslims firmly believe that during this night, the Prophet Muhammad received revelations of the Quran. Since then, angels descend on the Night of Power and Destiny to bestow mercy upon people. It is recommended to pray throughout the night as the heavenly beings will quickly carry your pleas to Allah. He may forgive all sins and make one's destiny favourable.
Uraza Bayram (May 23-24, 2020)
This holiday is characterized by a special atmosphere: Muslims dress in their best clothes and visit mosques. Traditional feasts are prepared, and people often exchange gifts when visiting each other. It is obligatory to perform the Eid prayer (Eid-namaz).
Arafat Day (July 29-30, 2020)
According to tradition, on this day, Adam and Eve met for the first time after being expelled from paradise. They reunited at the foot of Mount Arafah. From this day onwards, it is customary to undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca. Notably, women are not allowed to make the journey alone.
Kurban Bayram (July 30 - August 3, 2020)
Men in clean clothes visit mosques in the morning, and women are taken to the festive table. In Kurban Bayram, Muslims visit cemeteries, make sacrifices in the form of a sheep or a ram according to certain rules. After that, food is prepared from the animal, some of which is given to the poor.
Hijri New Year (August 19-20, 2020)
It is believed that the way you spend the first day of the lunar month will set the tone for the entire year. Therefore, Muslims are mindful of their thoughts and actions on the New Year. Whatever occurs on this day will be returned twofold. After the holiday, the fasting period of As-saum begins.
Day of Ashura (August 28-29, 2020)
Turks believe that on this day, the first man, the heavens, angels, and the Earth were created. They also believe that the Day of Ashura will mark the end of the world. Turkish cities showcase circus and theatrical performances, and processions carry replicas of the tomb of Husein on horses. Fasting and prayer are also observed.
Hijri Night
The night of the Hijja marked the beginning of a new era of Islam and the formation of the first Islamic community by the Prophet Muhammad.
Mawlid Night (on the night of October 28-29, 2020)
Mawlid Night commemorates the birth of the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad. The holiday is observed modestly through prayers and recollections about him. It is not celebrated as widely as other religious events.
Festivals and other celebrations in Turkey
The Whirling Dervishes Festival in Konya, held annually from December 7th to 17th, dedicated to the great poet and philosopher Jalal ad-Din Rumi.
Apricot festival in the city of Malatya.
International Puppet Theater Festival.
Istanbul Art Fair.
International Biennale.
Electronic music festival.
Baklahorani is a Turkish carnival.
Vine Festival in Manisa.
Porcelain festival in Kutahya.
Pomegranate Festival in Antalya.
Overall, Turkey is a welcoming, positive, and friendly country. It hosts and celebrates many interesting festivals and events where everyone can find something of their interest. That's why there are so many tourists visiting during these festive periods.
