How does the bairam celebrate in Turkey ?

Dear My Friend,

I was pleased with your mail. This Ramadan will be the most amusing Bairam in my life. My mum is so excited because she is anxious about you. You want to know our Ramadan Bairam, too. You’re right. But, you won’t have a culture shock, trust me.

This bairam is celebrated at end of a 30-day period which name is Ramadan. On last days of this period, all people are getting out of patience for Bairam.They buy new dresses and suits for bairam. We call these “Bayramlık”. Women clean up their houses.

Ramadan Bairam continues about three days. On first day’s morning, men go to mosque because of the Moslem ritual prayer. At the end of this, all people celebrate their bairam in the mosque’s courtyard. They shake hands with each other. Younger ones kiss older ones hands and put their foreheads. Then, they return their homes. At the home, all family members wear their Bayramlıks. Children kiss their parent’s hands. Also, younger ones kiss older ones. Then, parents give money to their children and other younger ones. According to children, this is the most important thing. After this point, all children start to visit their neighbours for candies. Also, families visit each other for bairam celebration. They talk about old bairams. These bairam visits improve people’s friendships. On this visits, housewifes offer a special Turkish dessert Baklava to their guests. Some of them make it in their houses. Also, some of them buy it from pastry-shop. Baklava is the symbol of this bairam. Not only baklava. Chocolates, candies are other important foods for bairam. So, this bairam’s other name is “Şeker Bayramı”.

Second day and third day are the same as the first day. Bairam visits continue. That’s so. Believe me, you don’t have to do more things. I’m waiting your way. Hey, hurry up please !


Mesut Çiftçi INT 2