Category: Culture

Funeral and burial traditions in Türkiye are deeply influenced by Islamic customs, local culture, and centuries-old social practices. The passing of a family member is marked by religious ceremonies, community support, and remembrance rituals that bring together relatives, neighbors, and friends.

Although practices may vary slightly between regions and communities, traditional Muslim burial customs remain an important part of Turkish cultural life.

Funeral Procession

After the death of a person, the funeral ceremony is usually organized according to Islamic traditions. The deceased is prepared for burial through ritual washing (gasil) and is wrapped in a simple white burial cloth known as a kefen (shroud).

The coffin containing the shrouded body is usually transported to the cemetery by a hearse. Family members, friends, neighbors, and members of the community often follow behind in a funeral procession as a sign of respect.

Before burial, funeral prayers (cenaze namazı) are performed, generally in the courtyard of a mosque or at a designated prayer area near the cemetery. The Imam leads the prayer and the community participates in honoring the deceased.

Traditional Burial Practices

In traditional Islamic burials in Türkiye, the deceased is buried without the coffin, wrapped only in the shroud.

Graves are generally:

• Rectangular in shape
• Designed for one person
• Marked with a headstone
• Positioned according to Islamic tradition

The body is placed on the right side, facing the direction of the Qibla (the direction of Mecca).

The tombstone is placed at the head of the grave and usually includes:

• The name of the deceased
• Date of birth and death
• Religious expressions
• Personal information or family details

In some regions, additional stones or grave markers may be placed according to local traditions.

The Role of the Imam

The Imam plays an important role during the funeral ceremony by leading prayers and offering religious guidance.

The funeral prayer and final supplications symbolize the completion of the burial process and express hope for mercy and peace for the deceased.

Remembrance Ceremonies

In Turkish Muslim tradition, the deceased is often remembered through religious gatherings after the burial.

Two important remembrance occasions are:

Seventh Day (Yedinci Gün)

On the seventh day after death, family members and relatives may gather for prayers and Islamic readings.

Fifty-Second Day (Elli İkinci Gün)

The fifty-second day is another traditional period of remembrance in many parts of Türkiye. Religious readings, especially mevlit ceremonies, may be organized to honor the memory of the deceased.

A mevlit is a religious gathering where passages praising the Prophet Muhammad are recited, along with prayers for the soul of the departed.

Community Support and Funeral Meals

Funeral traditions in Türkiye also emphasize solidarity and helping others.

In many communities, families may prepare and distribute:

• Funeral meals
• Halva (helva)
• Food packages for neighbors and guests

These offerings are often shared with relatives, neighbors, and people in need as an expression of charity and remembrance.

Traditionally, neighbors and community members also support the grieving family by preparing meals and assisting with funeral arrangements.

Cultural Importance of Burial Traditions

Interment customs in Türkiye reflect the importance of family, faith, and community connections. Funeral practices provide a way for people to express respect for the deceased while supporting those who remain.

From the funeral procession and burial ceremony to later remembrance gatherings, these traditions represent a combination of Islamic beliefs and Turkish cultural values that have continued for generations.

Circumcision (sünnet) is one of the most important family celebrations in Turkey. Although it is a medical procedure, it is also regarded as a significant cultural and religious milestone, symbolizing a boy’s transition toward maturity and his inclusion in the Muslim community. While the ceremony is rooted in Islamic tradition, many of the accompanying customs are unique to Turkish culture.

Preparing for the Celebration

Once a family chooses the date for the circumcision ceremony, invitations are sent to relatives, friends, neighbors, and colleagues well in advance. Depending on the family’s preferences and financial circumstances, the celebration may be held at home, in a wedding hall, a hotel, or another event venue.

The boy is traditionally dressed in an elaborate ceremonial costume consisting of a decorated suit, a flowing cape, a ceremonial scepter, and an ornate crown or hat bearing the word Maşallah (“What God has willed”), an expression used to ask for God’s protection and blessings.

His room is often decorated with balloons, flowers, ribbons, and colorful ornaments, making the occasion resemble a birthday or wedding celebration.

The Procession

In many parts of Turkey, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas, the day begins with a festive procession through the neighborhood. The circumcised boy may ride on a beautifully decorated horse, in a horse-drawn carriage, a classic automobile, or another specially decorated vehicle.

Family members, friends, and neighborhood children accompany the procession while traditional musicians play lively tunes using instruments such as the davul (large bass drum) and zurna (a traditional double-reed wind instrument). Music, dancing, and joyful celebrations create a festive atmosphere throughout the day.

The Circumcision

Traditionally, the circumcision took place at home or during the celebration itself, performed by an experienced circumciser or physician. Today, however, the vast majority of circumcisions in Turkey are performed by qualified medical doctors in hospitals or clinics under sterile conditions and appropriate anesthesia, making the procedure considerably safer and more comfortable.

After the operation, the boy usually wears a loose white robe that allows him to rest comfortably while receiving congratulations from guests.

The Role of the Kirve

In many regions of eastern and southeastern Anatolia, an important figure in the ceremony is the kirve. The kirve is typically a close family friend or respected relative who supports the boy during the circumcision and often helps comfort him throughout the event.

The relationship established through the kirve carries considerable cultural significance. Much like a godparent in some Christian traditions, the kirve often maintains a lifelong bond with the child and family, offering guidance and support during important moments in life.

In many communities where this custom remains strong, the families of the boy and the kirve become symbolically related. As a result, marriage between their children is traditionally discouraged or prohibited according to local custom, even though there is no biological relationship.

Gifts and Celebration

Following the circumcision, relatives and guests present the boy with gifts, which often include money, gold coins, jewelry, watches, bicycles, electronic devices, or clothing. These gifts both celebrate the milestone and help distract the child from any discomfort after the procedure.

Throughout the celebration, guests enjoy a festive meal featuring traditional Turkish dishes. The menu varies by region and family tradition but commonly includes rice pilaf, meat dishes, desserts such as baklava, and a variety of beverages. Music, dancing, and entertainment continue well into the evening.

Recovery

After the festivities, the boy usually rests at home for several days while recovering. Family members and friends often visit during this period, bringing additional gifts and well wishes.

Modern Circumcision Practices

While traditional circumcision celebrations remain popular throughout Turkey, modern lifestyles have led to changes in how the event is observed. Many families now choose to have the procedure performed in hospitals or private medical clinics, often before holding a separate celebration with relatives and friends.

Some parents also prefer circumcision during infancy for medical or personal reasons, in which case the elaborate ceremony may be simplified or omitted altogether. Others continue to celebrate when the child is between the ages of five and twelve, preserving many of the customs that have been passed down through generations.

Today, circumcision in Turkey continues to combine religious tradition, family values, and cultural celebration. Whether marked by a large public festival or a modest family gathering, it remains one of the most memorable milestones in a Turkish boy’s childhood.

The birth of a child is one of the happiest and most meaningful occasions in Turkish family life. Children are traditionally regarded as the continuation of the family and a source of joy and blessing. While earlier generations often placed greater importance on having a son to carry on the family name, modern Turkish society increasingly values sons and daughters equally, reflecting changing social attitudes and higher levels of education.

Pregnancy and Family Celebrations

News of a pregnancy is usually welcomed with great excitement by both the immediate and extended family. Traditionally, the expectant mother’s relatives, particularly her mother-in-law, may present her with a gold bracelet, necklace, or other piece of jewelry as a symbol of congratulations and good wishes for a healthy pregnancy.

In many rural communities, pregnancy was once indicated by subtle changes in a woman’s clothing or the way she wore her headscarf. Certain colors, embroidery, or decorative motifs could quietly signal the joyful news to neighbors and relatives. Although these customs have become less common today, they remain part of the cultural heritage of some regions.

Childbirth

Historically, most births in villages and rural areas were assisted by experienced midwives, while families in larger towns and cities increasingly relied on hospitals and trained medical professionals.

Today, nearly all births in Turkey take place in hospitals or modern healthcare facilities under the care of obstetricians, midwives, and nurses. Advances in medical care have significantly improved the safety and well-being of both mothers and newborns.

Welcoming the New Baby

Following the birth, family members and friends visit the new parents to offer congratulations and celebrate the arrival of the baby. Gold coins, jewelry, baby clothes, blankets, toys, and practical gifts are among the most common presents.

Traditionally, close relatives visit during the first few days after the birth to allow the mother time to recover. In the following days and weeks, neighbors, friends, and members of the extended family also come to meet the newborn and express their good wishes.

Hospitality plays an important role during this period, and visitors are often served tea, sweets, and other refreshments while sharing in the family’s happiness.

Caring for the Mother and Baby

Family members, particularly grandparents and close female relatives, often assist the new mother during the first weeks after childbirth by helping with household duties and caring for the baby. This support allows the mother time to rest and recover.

Breastfeeding is widely encouraged in Turkey and is commonly continued until around two years of age or longer, in accordance with both medical recommendations and Islamic tradition. The timing of weaning varies from one family to another and is generally based on the needs of the child and the mother’s preferences.

Planting Trees for Newborns

One of the most charming traditional customs in parts of Anatolia is the planting of a tree to celebrate the birth of a child. Families may plant fruit trees such as chestnut, mulberry, apple, or walnut, symbolizing health, prosperity, and a fruitful future.

In some communities, different tree species were traditionally chosen for boys and girls. Trees planted for boys were sometimes viewed as a long-term investment, with the timber or fruit providing financial support when the child reached adulthood or married. Today, however, tree planting is more commonly seen as a symbolic gesture celebrating new life and expressing hope for the child’s future, regardless of gender.

Modern Birth Traditions

Modern Turkish families often combine traditional customs with contemporary lifestyles. Baby showers, professional newborn photography, personalized keepsakes, and online announcements have become increasingly popular, particularly in urban areas.

Despite these changes, the arrival of a new baby continues to bring families and communities together. The traditions of visiting the newborn, offering gifts, providing support to the parents, and celebrating the beginning of a new life remain an important part of Turkish culture, reflecting the country’s enduring emphasis on family, hospitality, and community.