Origin & history
Eid al-Adha, known as Kurban Bayramı in Turkish, commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, and God's provision of a ram instead. This event is rooted in Islamic tradition and is observed by Muslims worldwide. In Turkey, the holiday has been celebrated since the Ottoman era, where it was a time for the sultan to distribute meat to the poor and for grand ceremonies to be held.
The second day of Eid al-Adha is a continuation of the four-day celebration that follows the annual Hajj pilgrimage. While the first day is the primary day for the sacrifice (kurban), the subsequent days allow for the full observance of the holiday's rites, including the consumption and distribution of the sacrificed meat. In Turkey, this day has historically been marked by a communal spirit, with families and communities coming together to share meals and strengthen social bonds.
Customs & traditions
On the second day of Eid al-Adha, Turkish families often continue to visit relatives, friends, and neighbors, exchanging greetings and well-wishes. Children, dressed in their best clothes, go door to door to collect sweets, candies, and sometimes small amounts of money. It is customary to wear new or clean clothes, and to show respect to elders by kissing their hands and placing them on one's forehead.
Food plays a central role, with the meat from the sacrificed animal being the highlight. On the first day, a portion of the meat is given to the poor, another to relatives, and the rest is kept for the family. On the second day, households prepare delicious dishes such as kavurma (sautéed meat), kebabs, and various stews. These meals are often shared with guests, and it is common to open one's home to visitors, ensuring that everyone can participate in the festive feasts.
Why it is celebrated
The second day of Eid al-Adha holds significance as a time for continued reflection on the values of sacrifice, charity, and gratitude. It reinforces the importance of helping those in need, as the distribution of meat to the less fortunate is a core tenet of the holiday. For many in Turkey, this day is an opportunity to strengthen family and community ties, and to remember the spiritual lessons of Ibrahim's devotion to God.
The day also serves as a reminder of the global Muslim community (ummah), as Eid al-Adha coincides with the Hajj and the wuquf at Arafat. While not all Muslims perform the pilgrimage, the holiday unites them in faith, and in Turkey, it is a time of communal prayer, charity, and festive celebration that underscores both religious devotion and social solidarity.