Customs and festivals

Understanding Customs and Festivals

  • Develop a comprehensive knowledge of major Turkish customs and festivals such as Republic Day, Children’s Day, Youth and Sports Day, Victory Day, and Eid celebrations.

  • Learn and familiarise with the key elements of these celebrations, including typical activities, traditional food and drink, music, and any specific rituals associated with each event.

  • Acquaint with distinctive customs associated with personal and family occasions, such as births, circumcisions, engagements, weddings, and funerals in Turkish culture.

Role of Customs and Festivals in Society

  • Consider the ways in which these customs and festivals contribute to the formation of collective identities and enhance a sense of national unity and pride.

  • Reflect on the importance of these events and rituals in preserving Turkish heritage, historical narratives and values passed down through generations.

  • Understand how these traditions influence the way of life, interpersonal relationships, and social behaviour among Turkish people, shaping their interactions and attitudes.

Changes and Continuities in Customs and Festivals

  • Explore how these customs and festivals have evolved or remained constant over time, understanding modern influences on traditional practices.

  • Grasp the impact of Turkish diaspora on the preservation and transformation of traditional customs and festivals, considering differences in celebrations within Turkey and among Turkish communities abroad.

  • Discuss the influence of Turkey’s diverse geographical and ethnic composition on the variation in customs and festivals, including influences from regional cultures and minority groups.

Customs, Festivals and Global Identity

  • Appreciate how Turkish customs and festivals are viewed and interpreted within a global context, including their representation in international media and popular culture.

  • Discuss how Turkey’s festivals and customs contribute to its international cultural exchange and the country’s reputation on the global stage.

  • Consider how these traditions influence the image of Turkey as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, reflecting its unique blend of eastern and western cultural elements.