Religious Habits
|
|
|
Ramazan ornaments
|
Kissing the hands of older family members is an obligatory ceremony of Bayram. Some families get together at the house of the oldest family member and have a “Bayram meal” all together. The elders give candy or money to those youngsters kissing their hands. In the past, gold coins and money were given however unfortunately this habit has been essentially lost, due to financial reasons.
It is tradition to call the older members of the family during Kandils and wish them “İyi kandiller” (Have a nice Kandil!). Your neighbors will bring you helva (a special Turkish dessert made of semolina or flour). It would be a nice gesture to return the dish filled with something you prepared. You can buy the Kandil Simidi (special small crispy bread ring strewn with or without sesame seeds) sold at Kandils at almost everywhere.
Mevlit is also among the customs of Turkish Muslims. Mevlit is a very long poem written by Süleyman Çelebi telling and praising the life of the Prophet Muhammed. Later it became a prayer sung as a hymn and chanted on happy and sad days. It is chanted on events such as death, anniversaries, births, circumcision and even when you purchase a new house. The mevlit chanted in mosques, becomes a social meeting among women when chanted at home. After the prayer, if the mevlit took place at a mosque, candies in cone shaped packages are distributed. An incredibly rich five o'clock tea table is set after home mevlits. If you get a mevlit invitation whether it is going to be held at home or mosque don't forget to take a scarf with you, to be used to cover your hair. Also be sure to wear thick wool socks for mevlits at mosques in wintertime.
Also See:
Latest comments about this article
By
pkrajovic 21.9.2007
Actually, the drummers don´t do their thing at ”dawn” (”thundering”?) but way before - in my neighborhood they seem to think it´s necessary to wake the faithful at 2:30 AM! Aren´t they supposed to be prohibited in parts of the city? Like Beyoglu?
Would you like to add your comment about this article? Click here!
Editor's Picks
Antalya Antalya, one of the most breath-taking places of Turkey, because of its spectacular location... more...
Traveling by Bus Every corner of Turkey can be reached from the bus station, or Otogar as it is called here. more...
Best of windsurf spots Recently the number of beaches providing windsurfing facilities has increased and shores are embellished with colorful surf.. more...
Anatolian Civilizations Museum The museum is located southeast of Ankara Citadel and is composed of two Ottoman Buildings. more...
Trattoria da Rosario Trattoria da Rosario is a small but special Italian restaurant hidden amongst the trees in Koşuyolu, Kadıköy. more...
Hamams in Ankara Would you like to take a bath in Karacabey Hamam of 15th century or Şengül Hamam of 18th century? more...
 |
Latest Articles |
International Izmir Festival
International Improv Festival
The Guide Istanbul May/June
Akbank Sanat Guitar Days
Flying Broom Festival
Istanbul Jazz Festival
Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival
Goya: Witness of His Time
Istanbul Theater Festival
