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Özel günlerde tüketilen yiyecekler Foods on
special occasions

• By Yasin Tunç

A Deep Approach to Turkish Teaching and
Learning Wisconsin Center for Education Research,
University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Feast of Ramadan (Seker Bayrami)

• The reason why it is called Seker Bayrami is
  because guests are given candies, sweets, and
  desserts during this feast. It symbolizes the end
  of the holy month of Ramadan, during which
  Muslims fast. Thus, it is regarded as a reward
  for Muslims.
• Most households prepare different types of
  dessert (mainly for guests). In some parts of
  Turkey, these sweets are called kalburabasti
  (also known as hurma tatlisi in some areas), but
  in most areas baklava, kadayif, and un kurabiyesi
  are common types. In some areas, you can find
  Sekerpare, Dilberdudagi, and kemalpasa tatlisi.

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Feast of Ramadan (Seker Bayrami)

• There are also different types of food, in
  addition to the desserts, served on the Feast of
  Ramadan, such as Içli köfte (meatballs stuffed
  with cracked wheat), stuffed chicken or turkey,
  and soup/pilaf made with its broth, güveç, keskek
  made with meat, chickpeas, hulled wheat and
  beans, and various böreks.

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Feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban Bayrami)

• Kurban Bayrami is another religious festival
  which commemorates the ram that Abraham
  sacrificed in place of his son Ismail (Isaac).
• During the feast, lambs and cattle are
  traditionally sacrificed to commemorate the
  event. The meat is generally distributed to the
  poor and those in need.
• As meat is so abundant, the most popular food is
  kavurma (a sautéed meat dish).
• In addition to the many different types of food,
  candies, and sweets, desserts are served (like
  the ones for Ramadan)

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The Month of Muharrem (Asure Month/Day)

• The tenth day of this sacred month, Muharrem, is
  known as asure day, which is also the name of the
  dish asure.
• Asure is made up of Noah's pudding, a dessert
  with wheat grains, nuts, and dried fruit
• In most part of Turkey, asure is cooked and
  shared with neighbors.

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Kandils

• Kandils are special occasions that are regarded
  as sacred in Islamic belief. They symbolize the
  birth of the prophet Muhammad, his conception,
  receiving of the Koran, his ascent into heaven,
  and his death.
• In some parts Kandil simidi (special ring-shaped
  bread covered with sesame seeds)
• Also, a sweet known as lokum is made in almost
  every region and shared with friends and
  neighbors.
• Halva is another type of sweet food that is
  distributed in some areas.

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Seasonal Festivals and Holidays Hidrellez

• Another festival commonly celebrated in Turkey is
  Hidrellez Festival, which is celebrated on May 6
  in Turkey. This date is regarded as the first day
  of spring, which symbolizes the rebirth of
  nature.
• On Hidrellez, many preparations are made, such as
  house-cleaning, laundry, and food and drink.
• One of the customs for Hidrellez is to eat fresh
  spring plants and lamb or lambs liver, which is
  believed to bring good health and cure the sick.
• Moreover, there are other foods cooked for
  Hidrellez, such as salad, boiled eggs, layered
  bread with tahini, stuffed grape leaves, bükme,
  çörek, börek,, ribs, a dish made from roasted
  wheat flour and gözleme (stuffed thin pancake).