How is Nowruz in Türkiye? (Interesting facts about Nowruz celebration in Türkiye)

Nowruz, as a symbol of the return of life and the beginning of a new spring, knows no borders and wherever it is rooted in the culture of the Persian people, it is celebrated with special colors and fragrances. This ancient ritual in Türkiye also has a deep connection with the history and traditions of the region and is an opportunity to show the solidarity and happiness of the people who welcome the new season. From traditional rituals to local foods and celebrations, Nowruz in Türkiye has become a pleasant manifestation of the combination of history, culture and nature in this country. In this article, we have discussed interesting facts about Nowruz celebration in Türkiye.

What is Nowruz festival about?

In Persian language, “Norooz” is translated as “new day”. It means exactly the arrival of the new year and the first day of spring!

Historically, Nowruz dates back to more than 3000 years before the ancient Iranian Empire. Over the centuries, this celebration has expanded to become the largest annual celebration in the Middle East, Central Asia, the Balkans, parts of Africa, and even South Asia! Therefore, Nowruz is celebrated in Turkey as one of the biggest events of this country.

Many countries that celebrate Nowruz note two important points: the vernal equinox at the beginning, when the days finally get longer, and the first day of the new year according to the solar calendar! Therefore, two important natural events are celebrated in Nowruz.

The importance of Nowruz celebrations

Nowruz is even older than Zoroastrianism and dates back to before Christianity and Islam. In fact, the origin of this beautiful and magnificent celebration can be found in ancient Iran. In Zoroastrian beliefs, the arrival of spring does not only mean the thawing of winter, but also represents the cosmic battle of the victory of good over evil! This celebration is so rooted and ancient that it has survived for thousands of years and is still considered one of the most important celebrations in the world.

According to old stories, the “Noon Spirit” who is forced to hide in the basement during the cold months to escape from the “Winter Spirit”, shows himself again with the arrival of the spring equinox. It is like the spirit of good and goodness is free and again spreads its warm and life-giving energy. The great celebration of Nowruz literally means the celebration of “overcoming of light over darkness”.

Nowruz is one of the most important celebrations in Türkiye because it reminds us that hardships are not permanent and as the famous saying goes, the end of the night is black and white! Just like spring always comes back to melt the snow of winter and hard days eventually give way to renewal, rebirth and new opportunities.

Read more: Where should we go on Nowruz holidays? | 12 attractive and spectacular destinations in Nowruz 1404

Nowruz celebration time in Türkiye

Nowruz in Türkiye is celebrated near the vernal equinox, which is usually on March 20 or 21 every year. This is the day when the length of night and day is equal and it is the official start of spring season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Nowruz celebrations traditionally last 13 days and begin on the date of the equinox. So, if you want to experience the full Nowruz celebration in Türkiye, plan your trip in late March to early April to see the peak of events and activities.

Many of the largest parades, concerts, festivals, and gatherings take place on the actual equinox and the days immediately following. However, Nowruz events are held across the country for two whole weeks.

Nowruz customs in Türkiye

Nowruz customs are similar in almost all the countries that celebrate it. Among the most important customs of Nowruz in Türkiye, the following can be mentioned:

Syrian Wednesday or farewell to winter

On the last Tuesday of the year, people collect sticks and small branches to make a fire outside the house. As night falls, families and friends jump from the flames one by one. This simple act represents purification and welcoming of new energy.

Wednesday is usually associated with a lot of noise. Crackers bursting and pots and spoons banging are meant to make as much noise as possible to scare away any evil spirits left over from winter.

People eat dried fruits and nuts like berries, apricots, pistachios and walnuts while jumping over the fire. Hot tea is also distributed among those sitting by the fire.

read more: How is Nowruz in Tajikistan?

Setting the Haft Sin table is one of the most important traditions of Nowruz in Türkiye

One of the most symbolic traditions of Nowruz is setting up the Haft Sin table. For this, you must arrange seven special items that start with the letter “Sin” in Persian language on the table or table that you have considered. Each of these items are signs and symbols for a better life in the coming year.

• Greens: includes lentil, wheat or barley sprouts that represent rebirth
• Garlic: indicates health
• Apple: represents beauty and health
• Sumac: represents the color of sunrise
• Sanjad: represents love
• Vinegar: represents patience
• Coin: It is a symbol of good and blessing

The spiritual aspect of Nowruz in Türkiye

Ceremonies such as jumping over the fire and setting the Haft Sin table are the epic part of Nowruz. But for many Turkish families, the holiday also has a deeply spiritual aspect. This is reflected in the precise placement of symbols and religious objects that adorn the Haft Sin table.

Muslim families usually place the Holy Quran at the front or center of the table and thus add the spiritual aspect to Haft. But the spiritual aspect of Haft Sin does not only include the religion of Islam. Most families consider the book of Hafez or Rumi to be an integral part of the Haft Sin table. Also, mirrors and candles as symbols of purity and light form a part of this ancient culture.

This table also has some beautiful ancient Persian elements such as decorated eggs which symbolize fertility and rebirth. A red fish bowl with live fish is another symbol of Haft Sin.

To book a Türkiye tour in Nowruz 1404, contact the experts of Setare Vanak travel agency.

How to congratulate Nowruz in Turkish?

If you want to congratulate someone on Nowruz in Turkish, you say: “Nevruz bayraminiz kutlu olsun”. Below you can see the breakdown of each word:

• Nevruz Bayrid – Nowruz celebration/celebration
• -nız – you
• kutlu olsun – be happy/celebrate

So, putting it all together, “Nevruz bayramınız kutlu olsun” literally means “Happy New Year to you.” You can congratulate Nowruz in Turkish.

When someone congratulates you on Nowruz, you can immediately say:

• Teşekürler – Thanks
• Sizin de nevruzunuz kutlu olsun – May your Nowruz be blessed

Nowruz in Türkiye with Stara Venk Air Agency

Most Iranians like to start the New Year at home and next to the Haft Sin table, but if you want to enjoy the Nowruz holidays to the fullest after the New Year, you can travel to Turkey with Setare Vanak Airlines! This country has a pleasant atmosphere and will make an ideal trip for you with various entertainments. Our Turkish Nowruz tours in Setare Vanak include single-route and combined packages. So you can have a variety of choices:

• Istanbul: a happy and adventurous city that has a variety of attractions from historical mosques such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus. Istanbul has many fans during Nowruz due to the celebration and cultural events.
• Antalya: This destination with luxury hotels will ensure you a worry-free stay, Antalya tour in Nowruz 1404 is a great offer for fans of beach destinations.
• Izmir: Izmir is one of the coastal cities of Türkiye that has a modern atmosphere. In addition to the beaches, shopping is also one of the attractions of Izmir in Türkiye Nowruz 1404 tour.
• Bodrum: one of the other coastal destinations in Türkiye, which has become very popular due to its mild climate and nightlife.

final word

Nowruz in Türkiye is not only a reminder of the transition from winter to spring, but also a symbol of unity, hope and renewal. This celebration with its beautiful rituals and ancient customs is a bridge between the past and the present that keeps the spirit of life alive in the hearts of the people of this land. This celebration is not just an event on the calendar but an opportunity to return to roots, appreciate nature and renew friendships.