You open petal by petal myself as spring opens touching skilfully, mysteriously her first rose.’ e.e.cummings
A scene from the Ahırkapı Hıdırellez Celebrations in Istanbul
Another scene from the Hıdırellez celebrations in Ahırkapı, Istanbul
Turks have an ancient tradition of welcoming spring. Hıdırellez is a seasonal festival celebrated all across Turkey for welcoming Spring celebrated on the evening that connects the 5th of May to 6th every year. Masses believe that the Prophet Hızır walks the earth on that day to aid people, to realise their wishes, to bring wealth and abundance, to give remedies to the sick and to help benevolent people.
Hıdırellez depicted in an old Ottoman miniature
İstanbul has a festive spirit on the Hıdırellez day where the masses gather in neighbourhoods, parks and the sea side to burn bon fires, to make music, dance and make picnic. People from all walks of life and all age groups gather to make wishes in different forms. Some write their wishes on papers to hide under rose trees, others bury symbolic rings to marry their loved ones and others simply pray for fortune, fame and love!
An Istanbulite making a wish under a rose tree
Trees covered with ribbons. Each ribbon was tied with a wish attached to it.
But, regardless of how people choose to make wishes, people have a good time when the spring comes back with all its energy and magic spell that awakens nature!
A photo from the Hıdırellez celebration in İstanbul
Have a glimpse at this video to see the joy of Istanbulites when Hızır is believed to walk the earth to make our wishes come true!
Note that video is uploaded from YouTube and all rights belong to the respective rights holders.
