Learning about the culture of your chosen destination and its diverse festivals is one of the topics that greatly enriches the beauty of travel and creates experiences that a person may never be able to savour in their homeland. The experience of soaring above the caves, valleys, and castles of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon — which can be considered a geographical, historical, and fantastical journey all at once — is something that can only be experienced at the Cappadocia Festival.
If you would like to learn a great deal about the most beautiful festivals and traditions in Turkey, keep reading this article.
The Cappadocia Festival
The Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival is considered one of the most wonderful and beautiful festivals in Turkey. This festival dazzles onlookers with its colourful and beautiful hot air balloons filling the skies of Turkey.
The skies of Cappadocia, teeming with balloons during this festival, create unforgettable moments in the minds of audiences. Some small, illuminated balloons are released into the sky on festival evenings to paint a fantastical scene that captivates all who witness it.
Live programmes and enjoyable musical concerts are presented during the days of the Cappadocia Festival, alongside various entertainment options ranging from horse riding to safari trips in four-wheel-drive vehicles.
The Cappadocia Festival is usually held from 3 July to 6 July in the Urgup area, which is considered one of the most scenic regions of Cappadocia. During this spectacular festival, more than 170 colourful and stunning balloons take to the skies of Cappadocia.
Republic Day Festival
Republic Day is one of the most important festivals in Turkey. This day is an official public holiday in Turkey. The Turkish people celebrate on this day, and people express their joy and happiness throughout the whole of Turkey.
You can see Turkey’s red flag as well as large banners bearing the image of Mustafa Ataturk, the founder of the Republic, held in people’s hands. Live music, performances, popular and beautiful theatrical shows, and various social entertainments are presented at this festival, which ignites passion and excitement among the people.
This celebration is held to mark the anniversary of the proclamation of the republican government in this country, which falls on 29 October 1923. The Turkish people are joined by many people from all parts of the world. This day is one of the most beautiful occasions on which one can learn more about the details of Turkish culture.
The Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival
One of the most beautiful festivals in Turkey is the celebration of Mevlana Jalal al-Din Rumi, one of the most famous ascetics and the father of the Sufi order, who lived in the thirteenth century of the Islamic calendar.
The whirling of the dervishes is the most beautiful thing that can be witnessed at this celebration, as the dervishes perform rhythmic dances distinguished by continuous spinning. This spinning represents the depth of the servant’s devotion and love for God in the Sufi tradition.
The purpose of this symbol-laden celebration is for people to understand that divine love and devotion is the sole goal in life. It is considered one of the most beautiful and, at the same time, most serene festivals in Turkey, which encourages every lover of such traditions to witness this beautiful festival.
This festival dates back nearly 750 years and is held to commemorate the death of Mevlana Jalal al-Din Rumi and his union with his God and eternal beloved. The Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival is held every year from 19 to 27 December in Konya. The Rumi Festival is one of the most beautiful Sufi festivals in the world.
The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival
The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is one of the most famous festivals held annually in Turkey. It takes place at the Roman theatre of Aspendos, which plays host to some of the most renowned international festivals.
The most beautiful ballet and opera festivals are held every year in this historic amphitheatre, and the most famous artists and dancers from all over the world attend this festival.
Sitting in the tiers that have stood for thousands of years and listening to opera and ballet performances — which are themselves of a historic character — is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have at this festival.
The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is held annually at the ancient Aspendos Theatre in Antalya, and has reached its thirty-third edition. Since its date changes from year to year, opera and ballet enthusiasts should follow the official events calendar in the official travel guide to Turkey.
Some traits related to the culture of the people of Turkey
It is difficult to enumerate all the traits and etiquette related to the culture of the Turkish people in a single article, owing to the deep-rooted culture and civilisation of the Turkish people. Having spoken briefly about the most important festivals in Turkey, we will now attempt to highlight the most prominent traits that distinguish Turkish culture from other cultures.
Greeting etiquette in Turkey
When meeting Turkish people, tourists should shake hands firmly, though this is not necessary when saying goodbye. Turkish people usually kiss each other on the cheeks, and when meeting an elderly person, they kiss their right hand and then place their forehead on it as a sign of respect.
When a tourist enters a Turkish home, they should greet the elders first, and should also shake hands with the nearest person first before exchanging greetings with the other people in the room.
The way a man greets a woman among Turks is that the man waits for the woman to extend her hand for a handshake; if the woman extends her hand, the man extends his as well. However, if the woman does not extend her hand, the man also refrains from extending his, as the woman may be a Muslim. If the woman is elderly, the man touches the back of her hand with his forehead as a sign of respect.
Dress culture of the Turkish people
Every country in the world has its own rules and norms regarding the choice of clothing, and people’s attire depends on the type of occasion and place, differing from one to another. Beautiful, colourful traditional costumes are worn at national and religious celebrations in Turkey.
Since Turkey is a Euro-Asian country, Turkish dress culture has been influenced by both Asian and European countries.
It can be said that one of the most beautiful things that can be seen in the Asian part of Turkey is the clothing of middle-aged and elderly men and women, which reflects their authenticity and genuine Turkish culture. However, walking through the European part of Turkey, one can clearly appreciate the influence of European dress culture on Turkish clothing.
In general, the people of Turkey have modern clothing that is at the same time very beautiful and elegant. Despite being influenced by European and Asian countries, they have endeavoured to preserve their national dress.
Tea and coffee drinking customs in Turkey
Turkey is considered one of the five countries in the world that produces the largest amount of tea. Therefore, the teapot is something that can always be seen in every home and office in Turkey.
Drinking tea and coffee is very important in this country, as if drinking tea is a symbol of welcoming guests, peace, and an active social life.
Tea is the favourite drink of Turks at all their gatherings. Among the tea-drinking customs of Turks is placing sugar cubes beside the tea glass, as well as placing a small spoon next to the glass. After finishing the tea, if the spoon is left inside the glass, this means the host should pour another cup for the guest; if the spoon is taken out of the glass, this means the guest does not wish to drink any more tea.
Turks also have special customs when drinking coffee, which reflect its value and importance to the Turkish people. Among these customs: placing a glass of water beside the coffee cup — meaning that if the guest drinks the water before the coffee, it indicates they are hungry and the host welcomes them; but if the guest drinks the water after the coffee, it means they did not enjoy the taste of the coffee.
The host begins serving coffee to their guests from right to left, and alongside the coffee, Turkish delight is served to the guests. Before the host collects the empty coffee cups, the guest does not rise from their seat.
These are not all there is to know about Turkey. If you would like to learn about the other cultural traits of the Turkish people as well as the tourist destinations that attract millions of visitors to this beautiful country every year, we recommend reading the travel magazine to discover more information about this country and other tourist destinations.