Turkey Traditions and Customs
From rituals on special days to family relations, Turkish society still largely adheres to native customs and traditions in many areas of social life.
It is impossible to describe Turkish culture and traditions within a single article due to the diversity of the heritage in the nation. Various cultures, such as Armenian, Arabic, Georgian, and Greek traditions, have been woven into Turkish society throughout history.
The northeastern seacoast, bordering the border, is a mixture of Turkish and Georgian culture in the Laz and Hemsin folks. The southeast is more prone to Kurdish and Arabic influences, and the west coast, for the past 80 years, has been under the greatest European influence.
But most traditions still hold strong and are prevalent in Turkey, and any first-time traveler will realize them immediately if they know where to look. Hospitality is also a foundation of Turkish culture, with visitors regularly greeted with Turkish coffee or tea. Traditional art forms such as calligraphy, Ebru (paper marbling), and carpet weaving are still important parts of cultural heritage.
Everyday Greetings and Common Expressions
Turks love to celebrate or sympathize with typical statements that apply to numerous day to day or extraordinary occasions and events. Should a companion become sick, the reaction ought to be "Gecmis Olsun," which means to recover soon. Go into a shop, and you may hear the maxim of "Hos Geldiniz," which means welcome.
The rundown continues endlessly; however, the uplifting news for outsiders is that Turks are very loose in the event that you are visiting the country. Learning a couple of idioms procures you extraordinary regard, yet don't perspire the little stuff, in light of the fact that to the Turks, you are an invited visitor in their nation.
Weddings in Turkey
In Turkey, civil ceremonies legalize marriages. Most couples also want to have a religious ceremony and invite friends and family to participate in the celebrations, similar to Western weddings. Pre-wedding celebrations are as significant as the wedding day itself, or even more so.
Henna Night (Kına Gecesi)
Usually taking place a night or two prior to the wedding, the "Kına Gecesi" is an event for the bride and her female family members and friends. Traditionally, the bride would dress in a red or purple-colored "bindallı" and a red veiled headscarf. Preparation and application of the henna on the bride's palm occur at the ceremony, typically by the bride's in-law mother, who places a gold coin inside the bride's hand prior to covering it in henna. The bride's hand is bandaged so the henna will dry. All night, there is singing by the guests of the sad tunes, which are representative of the bride's goodbye to her home homestead, and happy ones celebrating the impending union.
Pre-Wedding Celebrations
While regional customs vary, it is common for families to have pre-wedding parties. These parties may be marked by music, dancing, and feasting and are an opportunity for both families to celebrate and come together.
Wedding Day Traditions
On the day of the wedding, the groom's family is used to decorating their house with a Turkish flag, accompanied by drumming and musical instruments. A procession is formed to escort the bride out of her family home, with flowers and ribbons on the cars. Children are used to halting the procession dead in its tracks so that they can get little pieces of money. Wedding reception guests pin money or gold onto the bride and groom's attire as a sign of goodwill and support.
Signing the Marriage Certificate
A lighter tradition involves the bride and groom playfully attempting to step on each other's feet as they sign the marriage certificate, symbolizing a lighthearted joke about who will be in the "upper hand" of the marriage. Turkey traditions play a significant role in weddings, blending ancient customs with modern celebrations to create a unique and memorable experience for both families.
Pregnancy, Birth, and Children: When the Baby is Born
Moreover, when a child is conceived, loved ones will frequently give it a stink eye for assurance. Turk's revere kids, so don't be amazed if your child gets their full focus. The kids additionally increase family size, so speak to an image of expanded quality.
Pregnancy is the following common activity after marriage, and anyone avoiding parenthood or unfit to imagine can turn into the objective of tattle or socially addressed in certain locales.
Since pregnancy is an expected must, numerous customs rotate around it, for example, desires or deciding the sex, in spite of the fact that, in modernized regions, couples are going to the medicinal calling to discover the sex of their youngster.
In little towns, some mothers stay inside for 40 days to recapture well-being and help their newborn with a decent beginning throughout everyday life.
Turkish Cuisine in Traditions and Customs of Turkey
Turkish cuisine is rooted in the country's rich heritage and plays a significant role in social protocol, celebrations, and daily life. Food represents hospitality, togetherness, and identity from family gatherings to national celebrations.
Hospitality and Sharing
It is a sign of hospitality in Turkish society to give food and drink to one's guests. Traditional tea or Turkish coffee is often offered as a gesture of friendship, and refusing if presented with it is a sign of rudeness. Meals are often shared by placing huge platters of food like pilaf, mezes (appetizers), and kebabs in the center for everyone to share.
Festive and Religious Celebrations
Food is also the focus of religious celebrations like Ramadan and Eid (Bayram). Families consume dates, soup, and foods like pide (Turkish flatbread) and güllaç (a milk and rose water dessert) to break their fast. Pilav (rice dishes), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and baklava are consumed on such occasions as weddings.
FAQS
Q1. What are the main traditions in Turkey?
Turkey’s traditions are a mix of ancient customs and modern influences. Hospitality is a key part of Turkey traditions, where guests are always welcomed with tea or coffee. Festivals, religious celebrations, and traditional dances like Zeybek and Halay are also widely practiced.
Q2. What are some family traditions in Turkey?
Family gatherings are an essential part of traditions and customs of Turkey. Meals are enjoyed together, with elders being served first as a sign of respect. Special occasions like weddings and circumcision ceremonies (Sünnet) bring extended families together for grand celebrations.
Q3. How is hospitality expressed in Turkey traditions?
Hospitality is central to Turkey traditions, visitors are always welcomed with tea, coffee, or sweets. Hosts go out of their way to make guests feel at home, offering homemade food and even a place to stay if needed.
Q4. What role does food play in the traditions and customs of Turkey?
Food is at the heart of traditions and customs of Turkey, symbolizing hospitality and community. Special dishes like baklava, kebabs, and pide are enjoyed during celebrations, while tea and Turkish coffee are shared daily as a cultural ritual.