bayramlar

Bayramlar is a Turkish term that refers to holidays or festivals, encompassing religious, cultural, and national celebrations. The plural Bayramlar denotes multiple festive days. In Turkish-speaking communities, bayram culture centers on generosity, family, and communal greetings, with customs that vary by region but share a core emphasis on togetherness and celebration.

The major bayramlar in Turkey are religious: Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr), which marks the end of Ramadan and is commonly known as Şeker Bayramı due to the sweets associated with it; and Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha), which follows the Hajj pilgrimage and traditionally includes animal sacrifice by some households. Both are public holidays in Turkey, with many people traveling to visit relatives, exchanging wishes, and sharing special meals and desserts.

In addition to religious festivals, Turkey also celebrates secular or national bayramlar that are widely referred to as bayramlar, such as Cumhuriyet Bayramı (Republic Day) on October 29 and Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı (National Sovereignty and Children’s Day) on April 23. These holidays feature official ceremonies, parades, and public celebrations, and national identity and civic pride are emphasized.

Observance of bayramlar typically involves greetings such as “Bayramınız kutlu olsun,” visits to family and friends, new clothing, and the preparation of festive foods. The timing of religious bayramlar follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so their dates shift annually, while secular bayramlar occur on fixed dates. Bayramlar collectively reflect cultural continuity, charitable giving, and social bonding within Turkish-speaking communities.