700-year-old “forty sacrifices” tradition preserved in Hebilköy
Members of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace gathered in Hebilköy to preserve and celebrate the centuries-old “Kırk Kurbanı” (Forty Sacrifices) tradition, a cultural and religious custom believed to date back nearly 700 years.
The annual event was held at the historic Karkam site in Hebilköy, a village within the Municipality of Kozlukebir in the Rodopi region. The gathering brought together local residents and visitors from neighboring villages, beginning with prayers and expressions of gratitude.
Broad Participation from Community Leaders
The event attracted a wide range of participants, including Türkiye’s Consul General in Gümülcine, Aykut Ünal, Vice Consul Adnan Öztürk, Mayor of Kozlukebir Erdem Hüseyin, Deputy Chairman of the Friendship, Equality and Peace (FEP) Party Metin Hacıosman, and Chairman of the Western Thrace Minority Culture and Education Company (BAKEŞ) Hüseyin Bostancı, alongside numerous guests and community members.
Following the event, the Consulate General of Türkiye in Gümülcine shared a message on its official social media accounts, stating:
"We attended the Kırk Kurbanı event, a tradition that has been preserved for centuries in Rodopi/Hebilköy. We congratulate everyone who contributed to its organization."
A Symbol of Cultural Solidarity
Throughout the gathering, villagers welcomed visitors with traditional hospitality, reinforcing messages of unity, solidarity, and cultural continuity within the Turkish community of Western Thrace.
At the conclusion of the program, participants were served “bakırlama,” a traditional meat-and-rice dish prepared in large cauldrons, a customary feature of the event. The celebration ended with a communal meal and social gathering.
Preserving Identity for Future Generations
Community representatives emphasized that the Kırk Kurbanı tradition is not only a religious observance but also a significant element of the historical and cultural identity of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace.
The annual gathering is seen as an important opportunity to strengthen intergenerational ties, preserve cultural heritage, and foster social cohesion among younger members of the community.
For many participants, the event remains a powerful symbol of collective memory, continuity, and the enduring presence of Turkish cultural traditions in Western Thrace.
