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Introduction[edit | edit source]
Welcome to the "Complete 0 to A1 Turkish Course"! In this lesson, we will explore the role of religion in Turkish society and the customs linked to it. Religion plays a significant part in the daily life of the Turkish people, shaping their traditions, values, and cultural practices. Understanding the religious aspects of Turkish culture will provide you with valuable insights into the country's social fabric. Let's delve deeper into this fascinating topic!
Islam in Turkey[edit | edit source]
Turkey is predominantly an Islamic country, with around 99% of its population identifying as Muslims. Islam has played a crucial role in shaping Turkish culture, influencing various aspects of daily life, art, architecture, and social customs. The majority of Turkish Muslims belong to the Sunni branch of Islam, while a small percentage follows the Alevi and Shia branches.
The Five Pillars of Islam[edit | edit source]
Islam is based on the Five Pillars, which are the core principles and practices of the religion. Let's briefly discuss each of these pillars:
- Shahada: The declaration of faith, affirming that there is only one God (Allah) and that Muhammad is His messenger.
- Salat: The mandatory five daily prayers performed facing Mecca. Muslims are expected to pray at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and nightfall.
- Zakat: The practice of giving alms to the poor and those in need. Muslims are required to donate a percentage of their wealth to help the less fortunate.
- Sawm: Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, from sunrise to sunset. Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs during daylight hours.
- Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca, which is a religious duty for every financially and physically capable Muslim at least once in their lifetime.
Religious Holidays[edit | edit source]
Religious holidays hold great importance in Turkish culture, providing opportunities for families and communities to come together in celebration and reflection. Here are some of the major Islamic holidays observed in Turkey:
- Eid al-Fitr: Also known as Ramazan Bayramı, this holiday marks the end of Ramadan. It is a time of joy and feasting, with families gathering to share meals and exchange gifts.
- Eid al-Adha: Known as Kurban Bayramı, this holiday commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. Families sacrifice animals and distribute the meat to the needy.
- Mawlid al-Nabi: Celebrated on the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad, this day is marked with special prayers, religious lectures, and communal gatherings.
Mosques in Turkey[edit | edit source]
Mosques hold a significant place in Turkish society as centers of worship, education, and community activities. These architectural marvels are not only places of religious significance but also serve as cultural landmarks. Some of the most renowned mosques in Turkey include:
- Hagia Sophia Mosque: Originally built as a Byzantine church, it was later converted into a mosque and is now a museum in Istanbul.
- Blue Mosque: Also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it is an iconic landmark in Istanbul with its stunning blue tiles and impressive domes.
- Suleymaniye Mosque: Located in Istanbul, it is one of the largest and grandest mosques in the city, built by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.
- Haci Bayram Mosque: Situated in Ankara, it is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims due to the presence of the tomb of Haci Bayram Veli, a revered Sufi saint.
Religious Customs and Practices[edit | edit source]
Turkish society is deeply rooted in religious customs and practices, which are observed by both devout Muslims and those with a more moderate approach to their faith. Let's explore some of the key customs and practices associated with religion in Turkey.
Prayer[edit | edit source]
Prayer holds a central place in the lives of Turkish Muslims. The call to prayer (ezan) can be heard from mosques five times a day, signaling the time for prayer. Muslims are expected to pause their activities and perform ablution (wudu) before engaging in prayer. Friday noon prayers (Cuma namazı) hold particular significance, and many people attend the mosque for the communal prayer.
Ramadan[edit | edit source]
The holy month of Ramadan (Ramazan) is a significant time for Muslims worldwide, including in Turkey. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and other physical needs. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, often shared with family and friends. The month of Ramadan is a time of reflection, increased worship, and acts of charity.
Religious Festivals[edit | edit source]
Religious festivals provide occasions for celebration, reflection, and strengthening familial and community bonds. Let's explore some of the religious festivals celebrated in Turkey:
- Nevruz: Celebrated on March 21st, Nevruz marks the arrival of spring and is associated with ancient Turkic traditions and beliefs.
- Hıdırellez: Celebrated on May 6th, Hıdırellez is believed to be the day when the prophet Hızır and the prophet Ilyas meet. It is associated with wishes, fortune-telling, and outdoor celebrations.
- Ashura: Observed on the 10th day of Muharram, Ashura is a day of fasting and remembrance for both Sunni and Alevi Muslims. It holds different significance for each group.
- Mevlid Kandili: Also known as the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad, this night is observed with prayers, recitation of religious texts, and acts of charity.
Pilgrimage[edit | edit source]
The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims from all over the world travel to Mecca to perform this religious duty. In Turkey, those who have completed the Hajj are respected and referred to as "Hacı" for men and "Hacıanne" for women. The experience of the Hajj is often shared with family and friends upon return.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Religion plays a significant role in Turkish society, shaping the customs, traditions, and values of the people. Understanding the religious aspects of Turkish culture provides valuable insights into the daily life and social fabric of the country. In this lesson, we explored the role of Islam in Turkey, the Five Pillars of Islam, religious holidays, mosques, and various customs and practices. We hope this lesson has deepened your understanding of Turkish culture and its religious heritage.
Sources[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Cinema
- History and Geography
- Transportation and Travel
- Family and Relationships
- Best Places to Visit in Turkey
- Marriage in Turkey
- Cuisine
- Arts and Festivals
- Education
| ◀️ Family and Relationships — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Transportation and Travel ▶️ |