Transcript Food for special days - Deep Approach to Turkish Teaching and

Özel günlerde tüketilen
yiyecekler
Foods on special
occasions
By Yasin Tunç
A Deep Approach to Turkish Teaching and Learning
Wisconsin Center for Education Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Feast of Ramadan (Şeker
Bayramı)
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The reason why it is called Şeker Bayramı is because
guests are given candies, sweets, and desserts during
this feast. It symbolizes the end of the holy month of
Ramadan, during which Muslims fast. Thus, it is
regarded as a reward for Muslims.
Most households prepare different types of dessert
(mainly for guests). In some parts of Turkey, these
sweets are called kalburabastı (also known as hurma
tatlısı in some areas), but in most areas baklava, kadayıf,
and un kurabiyesi are common types. In some areas,
you can find Şekerpare, Dilberdudağı, and kemalpaşa
tatlısı.
Feast of Ramadan (Şeker
Bayramı)
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There are also different types of food, in
addition to the desserts, served on the
Feast of Ramadan, such as İçli köfte
(meatballs stuffed with cracked wheat),
stuffed chicken or turkey, and soup/pilaf
made with its broth, güveç, keşkek made
with meat, chickpeas, hulled wheat and
beans, and various böreks.
Feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban
Bayramı)
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Kurban Bayramı is another religious festival which
commemorates the ram that Abraham sacrificed in place
of his son Ismail (Isaac).
During the feast, lambs and cattle are traditionally
sacrificed to commemorate the event. The meat is
generally distributed to the poor and those in need.
As meat is so abundant, the most popular food is
kavurma (a sautéed meat dish).
In addition to the many different types of food, candies,
and sweets, desserts are served (like the ones for
Ramadan)
The Month of Muharrem (Aşure
Month/Day)
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The tenth day of this sacred month, Muharrem, is known as aşure
day, which is also the name of the dish aşure.
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Aşure is made up of Noah's pudding, a dessert with wheat grains,
nuts, and dried fruit
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In most part of Turkey, aşure is cooked and shared with neighbors.
Kandils
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Kandils are special occasions that are regarded as sacred
in Islamic belief. They symbolize the birth of the prophet
Muhammad, his conception, receiving of the Koran, his
ascent into heaven, and his death.
In some parts Kandil simidi (special ring-shaped bread
covered with sesame seeds)
Also, a sweet known as lokum is made in almost every
region and shared with friends and neighbors.
Halva is another type of sweet food that is distributed in
some areas.
Seasonal Festivals and Holidays:
Hıdrellez
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Another festival commonly celebrated in Turkey is Hıdrellez Festival,
which is celebrated on May 6 in Turkey. This date is regarded as the
first day of spring, which symbolizes the rebirth of nature.
On Hıdrellez, many preparations are made, such as house-cleaning,
laundry, and food and drink.
One of the customs for Hıdrellez is to eat fresh spring plants and
lamb or lamb’s liver, which is believed to bring good health and cure
the sick.
Moreover, there are other foods cooked for Hıdrellez, such as salad,
boiled eggs, layered bread with tahini, stuffed grape leaves, bükme,
çörek, börek,, ribs, a dish made from roasted wheat flour and
gözleme (stuffed thin pancake).