TURKEY

>Hıdırellez or Hıdrellez (Turkish: Hıdırellez or Hıdrellez; Azerbaijani: Xıdır İlyas or Xıdır

Nəbi; Crimean Tatar: Hıdırlez; Romani language: Ederlezi) is a folk holiday celebrated as the day on
which the prophets Al-Khidr (Hızır) and Elijah (İlyas) met on Earth.[1] Hıdırellez starts on the night of
May 5 and ends on May 6 in the Gregorian calendar, and April 23 (St. George's day for the
Christians) in the Julian calendar. It is observed in Turkey, Crimea, Gagauzia, Syria, Iraq, the
Caucasus, and the Balkans and celebrates the arrival of spring.[1]
Khidr (Arabic: ‫ٱْلَخ ِض ر‬, romanized: al-Khaḍir), also transcribed as al-Khadir, Khader, Khizr, al-Khidr,
Khazer, Khadr, Khedher, Khizir, and Khizar, is a figure described but not mentioned by name in the
Quran as a righteous servant of God possessing great wisdom or mystic knowledge. In various
Islamic and non-Islamic traditions, Khidr is described as a messenger, prophet, wali, slave, or angel
who guards the sea, teaches secret knowledge, and aids those in distress. As guardian angel, he
prominently figures as patron of the Islamic saint Ibn Arabi. The figure of al-Khidr has been
syncretized. In 2017, it was inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists of North
Macedonia and Turkey.[2]

Brief summary[edit]
Hıdırellez is regarded as one of the most important seasonal bayrams (festivals) in both Turkey and
parts of the Middle East. Called Day of Hızır (Ruz-ı Hızır) in Turkey, Hıdırellez is celebrated as the
day on which the prophets Hızır (Al-Khdir) and İlyas (Elijah) met on Earth.[3] The words Hızır and
İlyas fused to create the present term. Hıdırellez Day falls on May 6 in the Gregorian calendar and
April 23 in the Julian calendar. In other countries the day has mostly been connected with pagan
and Saint George cults.[1]

Etymology[edit]
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The word Hıdırellez, born out as a compound form of Hızır and İlyas, they are regarded as two
different persons. In respect to religious sources, there are several references on İlyas; However,
there is no slight mention about Hızır. The perception of seeing Hızır and İlyas as identical arises
from the fact that İlyas stands as an obscure figure within the context of Tasavvuf (Sufism) and
popular piety when compared to Hızır and there are numerous legends on Hızır, whereas little is
known about İlyas and furthermore, there are many great maqams of Hızır, yet there are only few
maqams for İlyas. Ali the Fourth Caliph is associated with Hızır within Alevi-Bektaşi belief system.
St. George is the figure corresponding to Hızır in Christianity. Besides being associated with St.
George, Hızır is also identified with İlyas Horasani, St. Theodore and St. Sergios. St. George
believed by Muslims to be identical with Hızır, is also believed to be similar to some Muslim saints;
St. George is identified with Torbalı Sultan and Cafer Baba in Thessaly, Karaca Ahmet Sultan in
Skopje, which is a mounting evidence how St. George and Hızır have influenced St. George’s Day
and Hıdrellez Day ceremonies.
Other names[edit]
Other names for the celebration used in different regions of Turkey are "Hıdrellez, Hızır-
ilyas, Ederlez, Tepreş, Haftamal, Eğrice", and also "Kakava"[4] among Roma in Edirne and Kırklareli.
In Azerbaijan the day is known as Xızır Nəbi bayramı, while Azeri communities in Georgia simply call
it Xıdr Nabe. The day is also known as "Tepreş" among Crimean Tatars who live in Northern
Dobruja (Romania). Dita e Shëngjergjit (Albania), Gergyovden (Bulgaria), Djurdjevdan (Serbia)
Shëngjergji, Gjurgjovden, Erdelezi, Agiu Giorgi, Hıderles (North Macedonia), Khider-Elyas (Iraq),
khidr-Elyas, Mar Elyas, Mar Georgeos (Syria).

Communities concerned[edit]
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It is widely seen that various rituals celebrating the arrival of spring or summer are practiced among
many Turkic tribes in Central Asia. To a certain degree, we have information about spring rituals
practiced by Yakuts since ancient times. They were performing those rituals in the honor
of Tengri (God of the blue sky controlling the heavenly universe). When the earth was dressed in
green, they gathered under trees and sacrificed horses or oxen to honor God and then they
assembled in the shape of a circle and drank kumiss (beverage of western and central Asia which is
made from the fermented milk of a mare or camel -also koumiss-) together. Those celebrations took
place in April. Tungusic people practiced those rituals in May and meanwhile they offered sacrifices
as white mares to the earth and the sky. Mongols, Kalmyks and Buryats are known to have practiced
rituals in spring and summer. Those traditions have been conserved for centuries long. It can be said
that Turkish people have been quite familiar with rituals practiced in spring and summer seasons
according to their belief system, cultural pattern and social life in Central Asia before immigrating to
the West (Turkey and Balkans). After converting to Islam, Turks have culturally blended the
aforementioned spring and summer celebrations with Hızır cult, who is widely accepted as a
supernatural personality closely associated with air, plants and water. Though it is important to note
that Hıdırellez doesn't have any links to Islam, rather it is a cultural practice. The immigrant Turkish
peoples were introduced by seasonal celebrations which are, particularly rooted in
ancient Anatolian culture, held in spring or early summer and formed under the influence
of Christianity. One of those elements is the St. George’s Cult, which was widely known during the
era of Christianity in Turkey. While Christianity was predominant religion in Turkey, several pagan
cults of those times are attributed to the saints, yet some others are attributed to imaginary ones.
Within this context, St. George cult has become influential over the formation of Hızır cult in Turkey
and the Balkans. St. George ceremonies, which were celebrated on May 6–8 among Christians in
Turkey, Middle East and the Balkan countries, ever since.
Hıdırellez or St. George Day is also celebrated under the name Dita Verës (Summer Day)
in Albania which was originated by the pagan cult in the city of Elbasan - the so-called Zana e
Çermenikës- the goddess of forest and hunting. It is celebrated on March 14 and symbolizes the end
of winter and the beginning of spring and summer. At the same time, in different regions of Albania,
it is celebrated among some other communities known as Dita e Shëngjergjit, St. George Day on
May 6.
Hıdırellez is widely spread celebration in most Syrian territories, but mainly practiced in the rural
areas. We have information about spring rituals practiced since ancient times. Those rituals are the
manifestations of the celebration for the arrival of spring and summer. Further of the symbol of
spring and resurrection of life that is, so called ever-green, ever-return Al-Khidr prophet. Rituals take
place annually on May 6. People, Muslims and Christians, regardless of their religious affiliation,
celebrate the living Alkhidr prophet that is St. George or Mar Georgeos. The cult of celebration of St.
George has become influential over the formation of Eid Alkhidr in Syria as well. The two names are
identical. People go to picnic to the natural places, practicing the rituals of celebration, including
performing folk music, singing and dancing. In the area of Zabadani for example, people used to
gather around a tree aged about 800 years as a symbol of the ever-return Alkhidr.

Ceremonies and rituals[edit]

There are various theories about the origin of Hızır and Hıdırellez. Various ceremonies and rituals
were performed for various gods with the arrival of spring or summer
in Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Iran and other Mediterranean countries from ancient times.
One widespread belief suggests that Hızır has attained immortality by drinking the water of life. He
often wanders on the earth, especially in the spring, and helps people in difficulty. People see him as
a source of bounty and health, as the festival takes place in spring, the time of new life.[1] To date, the
arrival of spring or summer, figuratively meaning the rebirth of nature or the end of winter, has been
celebrated with ceremonies or various rituals at every place in which mankind lives. Within the
seasonal cycle, winter symbolizes death; spring symbolizes revival or regeneration of life. Thus, time
for the days full of hope, health, happiness and success comes. Therefore, Hıdırellez Day is highly
significant since it is believed to be the day on which Hızır and İlyas met on the earth, which is
accepted as the arrival of spring/ summer.
In Turkey, it is widely believed that Hızır is the prophet who while bringing fertility to man wanders on
the earth and as for the prophet İlyas, he is accepted as the water deity. In order to fulfill some of
their missions, these two prophets wander around the land and the sea throughout the year and
meet on May 6. This meeting stands for the fusion of the land and water.
Today, the ceremonial activities for Hıdırellez are prevalently and elaborately prepared especially in
villages or towns rather than metropolises. The preparations for the celebrations are associated with
the issues as cleaning the house and the garments, dress, finery and food-drink and doing shopping
for the feast. The indoor of the houses and the outdoor places as gardens are supposed to be clean,
because Hızır is expected to visit the houses on that day. Almost everywhere, garments and other
apparels and food-beverages are common components of Hıdırellez ceremonies. All the
preparations related to the ceremonies are of particular concern to the young men or women, since
Hıdırellez is regarded as the most proper occasion for the youth-willing to marry in the future-to find
a suitable match.
Hıdrellez ceremonies are held in the countryside near the cities, towns or villages where generally
streams, lakes or other water springs exist. By great majority, there are tombs or shrines open to
visits in those locations which are placed on hills. Bearing the specific features, Hıdırlıks are
particularly chosen for Hıdırellez ceremonies.
As Hızır is believed to be a healer, some ritual practices as regards to health issues can be seen on
Hıdırellez Day. On that day, meals cooked by lamb meat are traditionally feasted. It is believed that
on Hıdırellez Day all kinds or species of the living, plants and trees revive in a new cycle of life,
therefore the meat of the lambs grazing on the land which Hızır walks through is assumed as the
source of health and happiness. In addition to these, some special meals besides lamb meat are
cooked on that day.
The other ritual practice for seeking health and cure is the ritual of jumping over the fire which is built
by old belongings or bushes. While uttering prayers and riddles, people jump over the fire at least
three times. That fire is called Hıdırellez fire; hence, it is believed that all illnesses or diseases are
warded off all the year long. Another ritual practice for having good health on Hıdırellez Day is to be
awash or bath by water brought from some holy places.
It is believed that all the wishes and prayers come true on the eve and the very day of Hıdırellez. If
one wishes to have more properties, s/he makes a small rough model of it onto the ground in the
garden and Hıdırlık. Occasionally, the wishes or prayers are written on a piece of paper and thrown
under the rose trees, etc.[1]
Furthermore, within the scope of Hıdırellez ceremonies in Turkey and the countries mentioned,
some practices related to seeking for good fortune and luck can be seen. One of those practices is
the tradition called "mantufar, martifal etc.", which is played to have good fortune. On 5th of May, the
girls or women seeking for good fortune, luck or a suitable match to marry put their rings, earrings
etc. into a pot. Then, the pot is closed after pouring some water into it. Afterwards, the pot is left
under a rose tree for one night and the following day, women put the pot in the middle of the crowd
and take their belongings out while reciting mâni (rhyming Turkish poems).

>About
Description
Hıdırellez or Hıdrellez is a folk holiday celebrated as the day on which the prophets Al-Khidr and
Elijah met on Earth. Hıdırellez starts on the night of May 5 and ends on May 6 in the Gregorian
calendar, and April 23 in the Julian calendar.
 >Istanbul Tulip Festival

 When: March
 Where: Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey during the spring, it blooms with vibrant
tulips. Every year, Istanbul celebrates its love for these beautiful flowers with the Tulip Festival.
From late March to early April, the streets and parks of Istanbul are filled with thousands of
colorful tulips and the city really flourishes.

When one thinks of tulips, it’s often the Netherlands that comes to mind; however, if you want
an authentic experience with these stunning blooms, then Turkey should be your destination. Not
only are the flowers native to Turkey but over time this month-long Istanbul festival has
blossomed in size and number. Over 30 million tulips are in bloom during this celebration and
continue to grow each year.

For Istanbul natives, this annual event is the highlight of the year. Everywhere you turn, vibrant
flowers create a picturesque display that illuminates the city with bursts of color and joy. This is
the perfect way to say goodbye to winter days and embrace springtime.

The tulip, a beautiful and delicate bloom, is the national flower of Turkey. It holds various
meanings for Turks including paradise on earth, feminine beauty, and perfection. Although many
people are unaware that the tulip is connected to Turkish culture and heritage, it continues to be
an important part of their history today.

The best place in the city to witness the little blooming buds is Emirgan Park. Here, you can find
hundreds of tulip varieties ranging from white to yellow and red to purple. The park is filled with
so many vibrant blooms that it almost looks like a painting come to life! You can also enjoy live
music performances, art exhibitions, and even sample traditional Turkish food.

Where to Stay

Located right in the center of Istanbul, the Florenta Hotel will give you easy access to all the
beautiful parks blooming with tulips. And their excellent service and comfortable rooms make it
one of the top places to stay in the city.

Nevruz Spring Festival

>Cappadocia Balloon Festival

  When: July
 Where: Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a breathtaking region of Central Anatolia that boasts some of Turkey’s most
spectacular landscapes. And the Cappadocia Balloon Festival is an amazing way to experience
the region’s beauty from up in the air.

Held annually since 2005, this event takes place over three days in July and is one of the most
popular festivals in Turkey. Hundreds of hot air balloons take off from the magical landscape
and slowly drift towards Göreme National Park, providing spectacular views of Cappadocia.

Attending this festival also gives visitors a chance to witness an age-old tradition as many local
pilots still fly their traditional baskets. You can even join in on the action, as there are various
packages available for those who want to take part.

On top of being a great way to explore the area from above, Cappadocia Balloon Festival also
offers a lot of activities and events to keep you entertained throughout the day. There’s music,
traditional dance performances, fireworks, and plenty of food and drinks to enjoy.

Not to mention the balloon rides themselves! This is one of the most spectacular festivals in
Turkey and an experience you won’t forget.

Where to Stay

You’ll have stunning views while staying in this cave hotel, located in the heart of Cappadocia.
Enjoy breakfast on the rooftop as you watch the hot air balloons drift across the sky.

>Turkish theatre refers to theater activities in Turkey that emerged as a unique and complex blend
of theater traditions in the country and Western influences.
There are four major theatrical traditions that influenced each other: folk theater, popular theater,
court theater, and Western theater.

Theatre traditions[edit]
Folk theater[edit]
The dramatic art has existed among the Turks for thousands of years.[1] There are different views on
the origins. According to some scholars it developed from humanistic ritual practiced in the Ural-
Altaic region, whereas others argue that the Turkish folk theater is related with the folklore of the
early Anatolian civilizations like Phrygia or Hitite civilizations. No matter what the origins are, the folk
theater has survived for centuries among the thousands of villages scattered throughout the
countryside. It largely consists of folk dramas performed by the villagers themselves during the
family ceremonies or during the agriculture cycle. They are accompanied by pantomime, dances,
and puppet performances.
Popular theater[edit]

Karagöz figures
Popular theater are performances presented to the public in places like public squares, coffee
houses or private homes by the storytellers, puppeteers or live actors. The performers belong to
different guilds and societies, called “kol” or “cemaat”.[1]
Storytellers are called “meddah”. They tell either popular romances, national legends, religious
narration or pseudo-historical romances.
Shadow theater is a form of theater where cut-out figures silhouetted against a lighted screen. It is
known as Karagöz and was the most widespread form of popular theater in Turkey.[1]
Ortaoyunu (Middle show) is The Turkish comedia dell'arte performed in urband areas pastime for the
middle classes.

Court theater[edit]
In Turkey, until the Westernized period, court theater simply imitated popular theater, formed in a
more refined and literary manner. The performers of ocourt theater did non perform only for the
aristocracy at the palaces; they performed at public festivities organized on the occasions such as a
court marriage, the birth of a new prince or his circumcision, the triumph in a war, accession of a
new ruler.

Western theater tradition[edit]

The westernization in Turkey started with vast plan of reforms in 1839, which proved favorable for
the development of the Western theatrical tradition in Turkey. The fusion of Western and Turkish
dramatic forms were accomplished largely through the efforts of Armenian middlemen. Agop
Vartovyan (Güllü Agop), who headed the Ottoman Theater Company in Istanbul from 1867 to 1882,
was one of the most important figures.[1]
In 1870, Güllü Agop was granted a ten-year patent of monopoly for producing legitimate drama in
the Turkish language at Istanbul. As a result, other producers were encouraged to start theaters in
the provinces. Turkish statesmen like Ziya Pasha and Ahmed Vefik Paşa were among those
pioneers who started theater companies in provinces. 15 years following the 1908 revolution was a
period where many new theaters opened. Theater was regarded an ideal instrument for
strengthening civilian and military morale as the country goes into one war after another
including Italo-Turkish War, Balkan Wars, and World War I.
 A stage of State Theatres in Ankara
Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, the new government regarded the theater as
an essential element for modernization of the country. A state theatre company was established in
1949. It is supported by both government funds and ticket sales. By 2023, the State Theaters
performed on stages at 12 provinces.[2]

See also

Traditional Theater

The origin of Turkish theatre dates back to pagan rituals of millennia ago. The
dances, music and songs performed during the rituals of the inhabitants of
Anatolia millennia ago are the elements from which the first shows originated.
These rituals later became theatrical shows. In the 10th century, a blend of
traditions occurred between the Seljuk Turks and those of the inhabitants of
Anatolia. The interaction between the various tribal societies paved the way for
new plays.

After the Tanzimat (Reformation) period, characters in Turkish theatre were

modernized and plays were performed on European-style stages with the actors
wearing European costumes. Following the declaration of the second
Constitutional Monarchy in 1908, theatrical activities increased and social
problems began to be reflected in the theatre as well as in historical plays. A
theatrical conservatoire, Darülbedayi-i Osmani, was established in Istanbul in
1914. During the years of chaos and war, the Darülbedayi-i Osmani continued its
activities and attracted the younger generation. Turkish playwrights emerged.
Some wrote on romantic subjects, others were interested in social problems and
still others dealt with nationalistic themes. There were even those who wrote
musicals. In time, Turkish ladies began to appear on stage and this was indeed a
revolution of the time, since female roles had only been played by actresses who
were members of Turkey’s ethnic minorities. (from Turkish Cultural Foundation
website)

Shadow Theater
Shadow Theater gained great popularity among the people and the Turkish puppeteers much improved the
techniques they had inherited from others. The colorless and motionless presentations of the Egyptian shadow play
gained much rich coloring and mobility in the Turkish form of the art.

Here is an example of shadow theater to help you practice your Turkish.

>Storytellersare called “meddah”. They tell either popular romances,

national legends, religious narration or pseudo-historical
romances. Shadow theater is a form of theater where cut-out figures
silhouetted against a lighted screen. It is known as Karagöz and was
the most widespread form of popular theater in Turkey.

>What is the history of Turkish Theatre?

The origin of Turkish theatre dates back to pagan rituals of millennia ago. The dances,
music and songs performed during the rituals of the inhabitants of Anatolia millennia
ago are the elements from which the first shows originated. These rituals later became
theatrical shows.