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TURKEY
FROM A-Z |
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HIDRELLEZ
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Hidrellez is a
traditional Turkish festival that takes place
every year in early May. Hidrellez celebrates spring and the start of summer, and festivities take place all around Turkey. According to folkloric tradition, it is the day when the prophets Hizir and Ilyas met on earth to awaken nature. This day is also known in Orthodox Christianity as Haghia
Georgi, and as St. George's Day by Catholics.
It is believed that Hizir will visit people during Hidrellez and bring them good luck, health and prosperity. People prepare for Hidrellez by cleaning their houses from top to bottom because they think that Hizir will not visit houses that are not clean.
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A building in Ahirkapi
covered with Hidrellez 'wishes'
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In Sultanahmet's Ahirkapi neighborhood, the Hidrellez Ahirkapi Festival has been held each May since 1999, attracting visitors from all over Istanbul, as well as travelers who are lucky enough to be in Istanbul on the day. The festival takes place on the eve of
Hidrellez, 5 May, and
incorporates the color of this lively neighborhood.
Local gypsy bands as well as internationally renowned
traditional musicians play on stages throughout the
neighborhood, and have impromptu jams on the street.
Festival goers can wander from performance to
performance while sampling local food and drinks sold
at booths. And for those who really believe, there is
even a Nahil Tree, or Wishing Tree, where people can
place their wishes that they hope Hizir will read and
fulfill.
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Ahirkapi's Nahil Tree
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If you are in Istanbul at the beginning of May, the
Hidrellez Festival in Ahirkapi should not be missed!
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A gypsy kanun player
from a local group on the steps Insight Travel, 5 May
2006
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