How is Christmas Celebrated in Turkey?
The experience of Christmas, or the New Year, is delightful for everyone, and Turkey—one of the closest countries to Iran—is a destination where Iranians can enjoy this celebration. During the New Year season, various ceremonies and fireworks are held across Turkey’s cities, making it a popular time for travel to this country. This article will explore the unique features and celebrations of Christmas in Turkey. By choosing Manolya Tour, you can easily find affordable Istanbul Christmas tours and plan your trip.
Though Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, it is home to people of other faiths, including Christians, Jews, and Yazidis, who have lived side by side for centuries. Before the Ottoman Empire, most of Turkey’s population was Christian. Interestingly, the start of their New Year aligns with the Western calendar, making it an important occasion. Christmas Day itself (the birth of Jesus) is a normal day, but New Year’s Eve celebrations in January are significant. Christmas in Turkey is particularly prominent in Christian neighborhoods, with elaborate celebrations near major churches in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Izmir, and many other cities.
The Christmas Atmosphere in Turkey
While the atmosphere around Christmas in Turkey differs slightly from Western cities, it’s worth noting that Turkish cities are decorated and festive starting in mid-December. Many Christmas trees and Santa displays appear, and some of the biggest concerts of the Turkish tour season take place. Iconic sites, such as the churches of Istanbul, the Christian holy sites in Antalya, and the ancient city of Ephesus, offer unique beauty. Ephesus, with its unique decorations and lighting, is particularly enchanting for the New Year—a distinctive historical destination for experiencing Christmas in Turkey.
The History of Christmas Celebrations in Turkey
The history of Christmas celebrations in Turkey goes back to the third century AD, when Turkey was under the rule of the Roman Empire, contemporaneous with Iran’s Parthian and Sassanian periods. According to Turkish beliefs, Saint Basil lived in present-day Kayseri, Turkey, and was an important figure in Eastern Christianity. Many Greek Christmas hymns honor Saint Basil in the Eastern Church, adding a long-standing historical significance to Christmas in Turkey.
Although Christmas Day, or Jesus’ birthday, isn’t a national holiday in Turkey, New Year’s traditions with Santa Claus and Christmas trees are widespread. New Year’s Eve is called “Mutlu Noeller” (Happy New Year), and the Santa Claus character symbolizes gift-giving within Turkish traditions.
Christmas Eve Traditions in Turkey
Though Christmas isn’t officially celebrated in Turkey, many Turkish Christian families do celebrate this night. Christmas Eve gatherings typically include a feast, with roasted turkey being a centerpiece of the dinner—a tradition that dates back many years. People often start preparing by buying turkeys days in advance, although turkey is mainly served on New Year’s Eve, marking the end of December, with New Year’s Day on January 1. December also brings many seasonal sales and discounts, with people shopping in anticipation of the celebrations.
Christmas Night in Turkey
Aside from concerts and festive street celebrations in Turkish cities on Christmas night, most stores and shopping centers offer good discounts for the New Year, making this a popular time for shopping. In areas like Istanbul, Alanya, and Antalya, restaurants not only serve delicious food but also offer entertainment programs, making it an enjoyable choice for tourists. The Church of St. Anthony of Padua, the largest Catholic church in Turkey, also holds a significant Christmas Eve service—a good spot for those interested in witnessing unique Christian ceremonies.
The Best Cities in Turkey to Visit During Christmas
If Eli Gasht were to recommend a city to fully enjoy Turkey’s New Year celebrations, it would undoubtedly be Istanbul. Istanbul, divided by the Bosphorus Strait, has a stunning New Year’s Eve fireworks display over the river, creating an unforgettable scene. St. Anthony’s Church also hosts many renowned musicians from around the world, and you can attend a grand Turkish concert with a separate ticket. In Taksim Square and along Istiklal Avenue, you’ll find the liveliest Christmas events, a wonderful way to experience Christmas in Turkey.
New Year’s Traditions in Turkey
The New Year holiday in Turkey coincides with January, similar to the Iranian month of Dey. While Christmas itself is not a holiday, the New Year’s celebrations are akin to those in Western countries. In one Turkish New Year tradition, women sprinkle a handful of salt on their door from the kitchen late at night, as they believe it brings blessings. During this holiday, red underwear is also commonly gifted, symbolizing good fortune if worn on New Year’s Eve. Another widespread tradition is to throw a pomegranate from the rooftop on New Year’s night, thought to bring good luck for the coming year.
The Most Important Churches in Turkey on Christmas Eve
Christmas in Turkey is marked by special ceremonies in the country’s most important churches. Istanbul’s largest church, St. Anthony of Padua, located on Istiklal Street, hosts a traditional Christmas Eve mass at 8 p.m., attended by many Christians. If you’re interested in learning about religious customs, you can witness this ceremony. Built initially in the 18th century and later restored in the 20th century, the church is a historic gem. Another key church in Turkey is the Santa Maria Catholic Church, also located near St. Anthony’s. The construction of this church began in the 16th century, with significant restorations occurring in 1769, and it also holds a Christmas Eve service at 8 p.m.
In Turkey’s capital, Ankara, the International Protestant Church hosts large Christmas ceremonies. If you’re spending Christmas Eve in Ankara, consider adding this church to your itinerary.
Flight Ticket and Hotel Reservation
As a Manolya Tour company, we would love to help you enjoy your christmas while you are in Istanbul. We also have tours like Istanbul New Year Party, Istanbul New Year Party at Galata Bridge Restaurant, Istanbul New Year Party at Sultanahmet Terrace Restaurant, Yacht Party New Years Eve.
