Ö zel g ü nlerde t ü ketilen yiyecekler Foods on special occasions

1. Özel günlerde tüketilen yiyecekler Foods on special occasions By Yasin Tunç A Deep Approach to Turkish Teaching and Learning Wisconsin Center for Education Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison

2. Feast of Ramadan (Şeker Bayramı) • The reason why it is called Şeker Bayramı is because guests are given candies, sweets, and desserts during this feast. It symbolizes the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast. Thus, it is regarded as a reward for Muslims. • Most households prepare different types of dessert (mainly for guests). In some parts of Turkey, these sweets are called kalburabastı (also known as hurma tatlısı in some areas), but in most areas baklava, kadayıf, and un kurabiyesi are common types. In some areas, you can find Şekerpare, Dilberdudağı, and kemalpaşa tatlısı.

3. Feast of Ramadan (Şeker Bayramı) • There are also different types of food, in addition to the desserts, served on the Feast of Ramadan, such as İçli köfte (meatballs stuffed with cracked wheat), stuffed chicken or turkey, and soup/pilaf made with its broth, güveç, keşkek made with meat, chickpeas, hulled wheat and beans, and various böreks.

4. Feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban Bayramı) • Kurban Bayramı is another religious festival which commemorates the ram that Abraham sacrificed in place of his son Ismail (Isaac). • During the feast, lambs and cattle are traditionally sacrificed to commemorate the event. The meat is generally distributed to the poor and those in need. • As meat is so abundant, the most popular food is kavurma (a sautéed meat dish). • In addition to the many different types of food, candies, and sweets, desserts are served (like the ones for Ramadan)

5. The Month of Muharrem (Aşure Month/Day) • The tenth day of this sacred month, Muharrem, is known as aşure day, which is also the name of the dish aşure. • Aşure is made up of Noah's pudding, a dessert with wheat grains, nuts, and dried fruit • In most part of Turkey, aşure is cooked and shared with neighbors.

6. Kandils • Kandils are special occasions that are regarded as sacred in Islamic belief. They symbolize the birth of the prophet Muhammad, his conception, receiving of the Koran, his ascent into heaven, and his death. • In some parts Kandilsimidi(special ring-shaped bread covered with sesame seeds) • Also, a sweet known as lokum is made in almost every region and shared with friends and neighbors. • Halva is another type of sweet food that is distributed in some areas.

7. Seasonal Festivals and Holidays: Hıdrellez • Another festival commonly celebrated in Turkey is Hıdrellez Festival, which is celebrated on May 6 in Turkey. This date is regarded as the first day of spring, which symbolizes the rebirth of nature. • On Hıdrellez, many preparations are made, such as house-cleaning, laundry, and food and drink. • One of the customs for Hıdrellez is to eat fresh spring plants and lamb or lamb’s liver, which is believed to bring good health and cure the sick. • Moreover, there are other foods cooked for Hıdrellez, such as salad, boiled eggs, layered bread with tahini, stuffed grape leaves, bükme, çörek, börek,, ribs, a dish made from roasted wheat flour and gözleme (stuffed thin pancake).