What is Christmas called in Turkey?

Christmas is one of the most popular holidays around the world, celebrated in many countries. But what is Christmas called in Turkey?

In Turkey, Christmas is called Noel Bayramı, which translates to Christmas Holiday. The holiday is celebrated on the same day as Christmas Day, on December 25th. It is a public holiday in Turkey and is celebrated with family and friends. Traditionally, people exchange gifts and decorate their homes with Christmas trees and lights. Gatherings are usually held at homes, with food being the highlight of the day.

Noel Bayramı is celebrated more as a festive day than a religious one. Although it is celebrated in a similar way to Christmas, it does not have the same religious meaning in Turkey. Rather, it’s seen as a way to come together to enjoy a day of feasting and gift giving.

Like many countries, Turkey celebrates Christmas with a lot of decorations and festivities. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, many shops and homes are decorated with colorful lights and festive decorations. On the day itself, people gather for meals, exchange gifts, and attend religious services. There are also special Christmas markets and events, such as a special Christmas market in Istanbul.

Noel Bayramı is just one of many holidays celebrated in Turkey. Others include Kurban Bayramı, New Year’s Eve, and Victory Day. Despite its lack of religious significance, Noel Bayramı is still an important holiday in Turkey, and it’s a great opportunity for people to come together and celebrate.

What is the Meaning of Christmas in Turkey?

Christmas in Turkey is known as Noel Baba or Father Christmas. It is celebrated on December 25, and the holiday season typically starts from December 24 and ends on January 6. Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and in Turkey, it is celebrated by both Muslims and Christians alike.

In Turkey, people usually decorate their houses with Christmas trees or a wooden structure called a Noel Baba, which is an imitation of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, gifts are exchanged and traditional Christmas treats, such as special cookies called kurabiyeler, are eaten. On Christmas Day, a special dinner is prepared, and the traditional dish for Christmas Day is kuska, which is a mixture of rice, tomato, and onion.

On Christmas night, people attend special church services, and during the next six days, they exchange visits with friends and family. On New Year’s Eve, fireworks are set off to mark the transition to a new year.

Christmas in Turkey is a time of joy and celebration, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and appreciation. As with other festive holidays, Christmas in Turkey is a time for giving and sharing, and it is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

Turkish Christmas Traditions and Celebrations

Turkish Christmas, or Noel Baba, is celebrated by a vast majority of people in Turkey. It is usually celebrated with the exchanging of gifts, festive decorations, and special meals. The traditional Christmas dinner in Turkey includes a variety of dishes, such as roasted lamb, stuffed cabbage, köfte (meatballs), and pastries. These are typically served with a variety of fruit juices, red and white wines, and tea.

Christmas carols, known as Noel Baba, are also sung during the holiday season. Some of the most popular Christmas carols in Turkey include “Gül Sürmeli Kızlar” and “Her Yerde Noel Baba Görünür.”

The exchange of gifts is an important tradition in Turkey. Gifts are typically exchanged between family and friends on Christmas Eve. Popular gifts in Turkey include jewelry, books, chocolates, and perfume. The gift exchange is usually accompanied by a holiday feast.

Christmas decorations are also an important part of Christmas celebrations in Turkey. Traditional decorations include colorful glass ornaments, strings of lights, and pine cones. Many people also place a nativity scene in their homes.

There is also a traditional Christmas tree in Turkey, known as the Bayram Ağacı. This tree is typically decorated with candles, colorful ribbons, and ornaments. The Christmas tree is typically taken down on the first day of the New Year.

In conclusion, Christmas in Turkey is celebrated with a variety of traditions and customs. These include the exchanging of gifts, festive decorations, and special meals. Christmas carols and a traditional Christmas tree are also part of the celebrations.