Getting Ready for the New Year
To prepare for the new year, many Turkish people reflect on their past year and think about what they would like in the future.Whether you are looking forward to more success or want to make changes, this is an excellent time to look back on your life and set goals for the coming year. Among the common resolutions Turks make for the new year are:
- Healthier eating habits;
- Losing weight;
- Travel more;
- Spend more quality time with family;
- Learn a new language;
- Read more books;
- Get organized.
Traditional Turkish Food
One of Turkey's most notable aspects is its cuisine. There are so many foods to try if you're visiting Turkey! A few of our favorites are:Köfte - meatballs filled with ground beef and spices
Şekerpare - a type of Turkish candy often served as a dessert
Dolma - vegetables or rice wrapped in grape leaves or cabbage leaves
Doner Kebabs - Cooked on a vertical spit, this type of kebab is similar to shish kebabs but meat is cooked on a horizontal spit
Customs and Traditions
Turkey has a rich culture and a diverse society. Many traditional customs have been going on for centuries.For instance, the tradition of "kızmaya" is common during New Year celebrations. Kızmaya means "playfully chasing girls." It starts on December 31st and goes until January 13th. Boys chase girls in an attempt to kiss them or catch them. The winner gets a red ribbon from the girl he grabbed or kissed.
In addition to the kızmaya tradition, there are plenty of other practices to be aware of. Here are some you should know about:
-Günaydın: Günaydın translates into "good morning." You say it at the beginning of each day to greet good friends and family members internally and externally. -Auld Lang Syne: Auld Lang Syne is an English phrase that means "for old times' sake." You can see it as a way of saying goodbye, for now, wishing someone happiness in the future, or celebrating the past year with those who shared your joys and sorrows with you. -Yeni Yıla Hazırlama: This
Conclusion
The new year is a time of renewal and new beginnings, but it can also feel like a time of anxiety about the unknown. What do you and your family expect from the coming year? Is it going to be different from the past? To help get you through the holidays and into the new year, we've put together a little guide to Turkish food traditions for the New Year.
If you're familiar with our street food restaurant, you know that we love to serve you fresh Turkish food, and we love sharing our favorite recipes. So settle in and enjoy!
SAHAN MEZOPOTAMIAN
Facebook: sahan mezopotamian
35-39 Auburn Road, Auburn
NSW 2144, Australia
