Origin & history
Eid al-Adha, known as Kurban Bayramı in Turkey, commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, God intervened and provided a ram to sacrifice instead. The holiday is rooted in this story, which is shared with Jewish and Christian traditions, and has been observed by Muslims since the time of the Prophet Muhammad. In Turkey, the celebration was embraced after the adoption of Islam by the Seljuk and Ottoman empires, and it remains a significant religious and cultural observance.
Customs & traditions
On the second day of Eid al-Adha, Turkish families continue to host visitors and visit relatives, friends, and neighbors. The distribution of sacrificial meat is a key tradition, with portions given to the poor, relatives, and kept for one's own family. Many people wear new clothes, children receive gifts or money, and sweets like baklava and Turkish delight are served. Communal prayers and visits to cemeteries to honor the deceased are also common during this time.
Why it is celebrated
Eid al-Adha is celebrated to honor Ibrahim's devotion and to remind Muslims of their own willingness to submit to God's will. It is a time for spiritual reflection, gratitude, and charity, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and community solidarity. The second day specifically extends the festive period, allowing more time for social bonding and acts of kindness, reinforcing the values of generosity and compassion.