Yilbasy

Fountain of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (from lithography 1892)On New Year’s Day, the Turks owe Ataturk a debt. The father of all Turks elevated the principle of secularism into one of the dogmas of the Turkish Republic. This was confirmed by the introduction of the Gregorian chronology in Turkey on January 1, 1926. This did not mean that the Turks would abandon their inheritance. Rather, it was caused by the fact that in foreign policy Turkey has always focused on the states living according to the Western Christian chronology. Although there is an increasing tendency towards Islamization in Turkish society today, only two official holidays remain in Turkey, Seker Bayram and Kurban Bayram, celebrated according to the lunar calendar of the Hijra.

Generally speaking, today this holiday almost everywhere on our planet is perceived as far from religion phenomenon. This is also seen in Turkey. But most of the New Year celebrations are in Istanbul. The fact is that in this city a significant part of the population consists of Eastern Christians. Let us not forget that here is the residence of the Patriarch of Constantinople.

In Istanbul, greeters of Yilbasi gather in the European part of the Old Town, in Taksim Square and in the old quarter of Pera. There are concerts in the fresh air everywhere. The crowd on the boulevards leading to the Beyoglu area is accompanied by the impatient sounds of horns. In the Asian part of Istanbul, the busiest place on New Year’s Eve is the Kadikoy district, known as the place of secret meetings of the first Christians. And if you find yourself near Yilbasi in the Sultan Ahmet quarter, we advise you not to go out at all. It's deadly!

The Turks are a tolerant people. This is manifested in the fact that many of them celebrate the festivities not only of their religion. Therefore, in Turkey, both Muharram and Navruz Bayram are eagerly waiting for New Year’s Eve. My fellow Turks say that no one forces them to pray towards the tree. It's just a beautiful emblem, though not approved by Turkish priests.

Despite the fact that the celebration of Yilbasy Bayrami in Turkey is not condemned by anyone, outside of multicultural Istanbul, you will practically not see New Year's fun. After all, the Turkish Republic is a Muslim country, and Yilbasy Bayramy is a familiar but alien holiday for her. The only exception is the resorts of the Turkish Riviera, where Yilbasy Bayram is celebrated on a certain scale. The Turkish state, which is a candidate for joining the European Union, does everything to ensure that tourists do not feel like foreigners. On the coast on the main night of the year, fireworks and performances of visiting stars are often organized.