The creation of a new family is considered an important event for all peoples. Weddings in Turkey are no exception - many customs have survived in this Asian country that turn weddings into a multi-day celebration with the observance of certain rituals. The scope of the wedding celebration depends on the region of the country, the financial capabilities of the relatives of the bride and groom, and their adherence to Muslim traditions. In general, this is a solemn event for which both families are preparing in advance.
Basic wedding rules in Turkey
The centuries-old traditions of the Turkish people associated with marriage are sacredly revered in the country. At the same time, the official ceremony is not as important as the folk rituals.
- Ransom. In most regions of Turkey, kalym is still paid for the bride. In big cities, as a rule, the future husband gives a large sum of money to the mother of the bride for raising a good daughter.
- Age: it is believed that the husband should be 4-5 years older than the future wife, the ideal for marriage for both is considered to be the age from 17 to 22 years.
- It is customary for the groom's family to be active, the lot of the bride is to silently wait until they come to her house for the bride.
Turkey's wedding traditions differ from modern European ones: the final decision on the marriage of young people is made by parents and relatives, they also agree on property issues, plan a place for their children to live together. The wedding is celebrated for several days in a row in the homes of the bride and groom.
How to get married and propose
In cities, young people work together, build families according to European laws, but in the hinterland, marriage is still controlled by adult family members.
The engagement in Turkey is being carefully prepared. Usually, the parents of a young man make a decision that it is time for him to get married and ask their acquaintances to help in finding a bride.
The future groom, accompanied by elderly relatives, comes to visit several houses and chooses a girl who will like him.
The two families begin to ask each other's opinion beforehand. If everyone agrees, matchmaking day arrives. Men of both families, respected people, are already taking part in it.
The groom goes to the bride's house with the older men of the family, carrying sweets and flowers. The two clans come together to seal the marriage agreement. When asked by her mother about her desire to marry, the bride is silent, if she does not agree, or she meekly answers: "As you want."
After the matchmaking and obtaining official consent, the marriage contract is concluded between the families. The cost of organizing a wedding in Turkey pours into a large amount, so it is necessary to discuss in advance what the ransom amount and what gifts the bride will receive.
Engagement (engagement)
After the conclusion of the contract, the date of the engagement is set. On this day, relatives and acquaintances are invited, and invitations are sent to them.
On the eve, the groom sends gifts to the bride's house. In the morning, he and his relatives go to the future father-in-law and mother-in-law. Nowadays, a holiday in cities is often held in wedding salons, with a buffet table, in the provinces - in the bride's house, where the table is set without alcohol. By the way, the traditional Turkish wedding also does not provide for the drinking of alcoholic beverages.
Customs forbid young people to see each other during the betrothal, but in the cities these canons are no longer adhered to.
The whole day is a holiday: the hosts and guests are dancing, having fun, trying a treat. Men and women celebrate separately.
In the evening, the most solemn moment comes: the groom's mother gives the bride a wedding ring on his behalf.
Today Turkey is rapidly Europeanizing, so the traditional Turkish wedding is celebrated only in the hinterland. In Istanbul, Ankara, men and women have fun together, and the groom himself puts a ring on his right hand for his girlfriend on this day.
What is henna night
A few days before the wedding, a dowry is displayed in the bride's house, which can be viewed by everyone: chests with clothes, household utensils, jewelry boxes. The bride spends the last night in her father's house with her relatives, friends, relatives of the groom - the so-called night of henna is included in the customs of a Turkish wedding.
After special rituals, a woman who has had only one successful marriage begins to draw henna patterns on the bride's palms (this is called "mehendi"). Thus, a positive family experience is passed on to the young girl.
In the drawings, floral ornaments, geometric patterns are used, into which the groom's initials must be skillfully “woven” so that they cannot be immediately noticed. According to tradition, the groom on his wedding night must find his initials, and if he cannot do this, he must give the bride a gift.
In general, a wedding ceremony in Turkey provides for many gifts. And on this night, the relatives of the future husband give the bride gold, money, jewelry. Everyone paints each other's feet, palms, sometimes henna hair. Henna is given as a gift to neighbors, friends, a tourniquet so that the future family can live in prosperity and be happy.
How is the wedding itself
Many people who come to rest in this southern country are often interested in how weddings are held in Turkey.
The next day after the "night of henna" the groom, along with his guests, goes to pick up the bride from his father's house. Drums sound, zurna, so that the whole district knows about the celebration.
The bride leaves the house smartly, in a festive dress, her face, as usual, is covered with a scarlet veil. The girl's belt is tied with a ribbon of the same color as a sign of her innocence.
On the threshold of the house of the future husband, the mother-in-law meets the bride and gives her a gift. The threshold of the house is smeared with honey, oil - so that life in it is rich and sweet for a couple. The young are showered with flowers, money, sweets.
Today, weddings in Istanbul and other large cities are held using European traditions - a girl throws her bouquet to unmarried friends, whoever catches it will soon get married.
Only in the evening does a religious ceremony begin: after it, the marriage is considered complete. The young are taken to the marriage room, where they set the table with one plate and spoon, so that future spouses get used to each other faster. Sometimes young people are taken to their future home and left there alone. If the girl turns out to be not a virgin, the marriage can be dissolved.
Wedding gifts
Nowadays, registration and marriage in Turkey takes place in state authorities, but religious and folk traditions are still very strong, especially in the provinces.
The gifting of the young takes place in a special way. Gifts are made after the celebration, on the way of the young couple to their future home. The young are showered with rice, coins, sweets, so that their life is rich, happy, sweet. Guests congratulate the couple and give money, gold coins, jewelry, trying to touch the clothes of the bride and groom.
It is believed that it is imperative to remember who and what gave in order to give this person an equally valuable gift in the future.
After that, the procession goes to the house where the young people will live.
According to custom, a girl must break a bowl on the threshold, as if making a sacrifice to the home gods, and friends push the groom into the house with kicks from behind, hinting that his single life is over.
At modern wedding ceremonies in cities, these customs are increasingly being abandoned, especially if it is a Russian-Turkish wedding and the future wife is unfamiliar with local traditions.
In big cities, weddings are held according to a scenario more familiar to Russians: a banquet in a restaurant or a wedding center, a cake, the first dance of the young.
How Russians get married in Turkey
Turkey for newlyweds is a magical land where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of this ancient country. Today, hotels on the seashore can offer an entertaining show - a Turkish wedding. The program of the ceremony includes the services of a Russian-speaking host, live music, "guests" who are ready to present the newlyweds with flowers and small souvenirs. The event can be held both in the hotel and in the wedding salon.
A symbolic wedding in Turkey in 2021 is also in demand among those who have been married for a long time or are just about to get married. Prices for the event start from 1000 USD. Young people "sign", they are awarded a special certificate, the ceremony includes a festive message from the presenter, congratulations, photos and videos. Additionally, you can order the ransom of the bride, the launch of pigeons, lanterns, a buffet table or a banquet.
Turkish-style weddings are also held in Alanya, Kemer, Side and other resort cities. The event includes a set of rituals and traditions familiar to the Turks. Drums sound, zurna, musicians play, a young husband goes to fetch a bride, they are showered with coins and sweets.
Conclusion
A wedding in Turkey is an unforgettable holiday that lasts for several days. Today, a real national celebration can be seen less and less: traditions are changing, the country is slowly but steadily moving towards a European way of life. And yet, their families still play a huge role in the upcoming wedding of young people, gold and money are considered the best gifts, and the girl's innocence remains a great value and an indispensable condition for creating a family.
