The festival is held in commemoration of the religious event when Prophet Ibrahim agreed to sacrifice his son for Allah. Seeing that devotion, Allah showed compassion and took a ram instead of the boy. Today, Turks make similar sacrifices by slaughtering sheep and cows and donating the meat to the poor and needy.
Festival Highlights
The Feast of Sacrifice is celebrated nationwide annually on the 70th day after the end of Ramadan. Similarly, the dates are different every year. This is the time to visit older relatives like during the holy month. There's a nice tradition that obliges the younger to kiss the hands of the older as a token of respect. Unlike Ramadan, which is mostly famous for sweet desserts, Kurban Bayramı is all about meat. Turkish Muslims feast on fried meat, meat stews, vine leaves stuffed with meat, meat pastries, and things alike.
Eid al-Adha Traditions
The Feast of Sacrifice or Eid al-Adha four-day celebration begins on the festival's eve called "Arefe". All private offices, schools, and other establishments are closed in the afternoon for four following days. On the morning of the first day of celebration, people go to the mosque for a festive prayer, which is followed by the ritual sacrifice of rams, lambs, and bulls. In some regions, the animals to be sacrificed have henna-painted foreheads and are ornated with ribbons. Traditionally, one-third of meat is given to relatives and neighbors, the second third is given to the poor, and the last third remains at home and is served to visitors and guests. Sacrifices are carried out along with the offerings—those who have experienced success or recovered from a serious illness are supposed to make an offering.
Feast of the Sacrifice in Istanbul
For those considering a trip to Istanbul during Eid al-Adha, careful planning is key. Verify the operating hours of attractions and restaurants in advance to ensure they're accessible during the holiday. Take the opportunity to visit Istanbul's awe-inspiring mosques to witness religious ceremonies and prayers, immersing yourself in the holiday's spiritual essence. Additionally, visitors can explore the lively ambiance of Istanbul's local markets, such as the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. During Eid al-Adha, these markets are adorned with special decorations and offer seasonal products, providing a unique and vibrant experience.
