In this article, we will focus on close historical ties between Christianity and Anatolia where modern Turkish Republic settled. During the reign of Constantine I of Roman Empire, Anatolian people met Christianity. As you might know, Constantine I was the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity, and he moved the capital of the Empire to Constantinapole, todays Istanbul in Turkey. The first eight Ecumenical Councils, which eminent bishops made an attempt to reach an orthodox consensus and to unify Christendom, were held in Anatolia. Christianity is a global religion and the roots were founded in Anatolia. What is more, some important figures for Christianity was born in this rich soil, such as Paul the Apostle. If we need to create a relationship between Christmas and our country, Turkey is the place where Saint Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus and Father Christmas, was born in 270, lived his life and died in 343 in Demre (Myra), Turkey and also his Church and Tomb were built there. He is very important figure for Orthodox Christianity and every year thousands of tourists come and visit his Church.
Although Anatolia has been safe haven for Christian communities, after the birth and spread of Islam, Anatolia became a Muslim community. Nowadays, Modern Turkish Republic is a so-called secular state that applies holidays in accord with Islam.
Ramadan Bairam is the most famous Muslim holiday. We will take you an imaginary trip to Ramadan Bairam in Turkey. Islam Religion uses moon calendar, hicri calendar, in which a year is 11 days shorter than sun based the gregorian calendar. That’s why every year Ramadan Bairam has been celebrated different times, 11-12 days earlier than the previous year. Ramadan is a month in moon calendar, at the end of this month, 4-day-National-Holiday has been declared as Ramadan Bairam in Turkey.
Before Ramadan Bairam days, everyone is ready for this religious festival. New clothes are bought for children. Cologne, candies, and chocolates are bought to serve welcoming guests. That’s why, Ramadan is the favourite festival for children. During Ramadan, elder people gave pocket money to youngsters and kids. Moreover, children are free to go and knock the doors of neighbours, (even though they do not know each other) celebrate their Bairam, and ask for candies and pocket money.
The first day of Ramadan, Muslim people pray in mosques, but only men are allowed to perform Bairam Namaz. The other days of the festival, the Muslims visit their relatives, friends and neighbours. Cologne, sweet and candies are served in these meetings. Ramadan is a day that people who broke up each other, come together. During Ramadan, Muslims go to the graveyards and visit their relatives’ graves, and pray for their souls.
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