Origin & history
Eid al-Adha, or the 'Festival of Sacrifice,' originates from the Islamic tradition commemorating the Prophet Abraham's (Ibrahim) dream in which he was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Ismail). As Abraham prepared to comply, God intervened and provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This event, also celebrated by Jews and Christians, is foundational in Islam and is commemorated yearly during the Hajj pilgrimage period.
In Turkey, the holiday was integrated into Ottoman and later Republican traditions, blending Islamic religious observance with local customs. The third day is part of the four-day celebration (though sometimes three) that follows the Day of Arafah, the final day of the Hajj. The Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs oversees the rituals, and the day is a public holiday ensuring all citizens can participate in the religious and communal activities.
The specific observance of the third day has evolved in Turkey as a time for continued family gatherings and charitable acts, although its religious core remains tied to the Quranic narrative and the pilgrimage rites taking place in Mecca. Historically, it has been a day when the sick, elderly, and those unable to sacrifice themselves would receive shares of the meat.
Customs & traditions
On the third day, Turkish Muslims typically attend morning prayers at mosques, though the main congregational prayer occurs on the first day. This day is often reserved for visiting relatives, especially the elderly, and for socializing. Many families use the day to prepare and share meals, often featuring lamb or beef from the sacrificed animal, which is a key aspect of the holiday.
A distinctive Turkish custom is the distribution of meat to the poor, neighbors, and relatives. The sacrifice (kurban) is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and neighbors, and one for the needy. On the third day, many families continue this distribution and host large dinners. Sweets like baklava and Turkish delight are offered to guests, and children often receive money or small gifts.
In some regions, traditional games, fairs, and communal meals persist, especially in rural areas. However, modern urban celebrations often include family gatherings at home or in restaurants. The day also encourages visiting cemeteries to honor deceased relatives, a practice that is common throughout the Eid period.
Why it is celebrated
The third day of Eid al-Adha in Turkey serves as a continuation of the spiritual and communal significance of the festival. It reminds Muslims of the virtues of submission to God, sacrifice, and charity. The act of sacrificing an animal symbolizes willingness to give up something beloved for God's sake, and the distribution of meat reinforces social solidarity and care for the less fortunate.
Beyond the religious dimension, the holiday is a time to strengthen family bonds and community ties. For Turkish society, it is a nationally recognized break that allows people to travel to their hometowns, reconnecting with roots. The third day emphasizes the joy of shared meals and the blessing of generosity, encapsulating the core values of Islam and Turkish culture.