Hıdırellez celebrated with a cultural gathering by Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Association reading group
As part of the celebration, participants engaged in symbolic customs: wildflowers and wheat stalks (symbols of abundance) were placed in pots, cloth strips were tied to a rose tree (a wish-making tradition), henna was applied, and a Hıdırellez feast was prepared.
BTTÖB President Aydın Ahmet joined the event to support the reading group and to take part in the festivities on this culturally significant day.
In a statement, BTTÖB emphasized the cultural richness of Hıdırellez:
“Across the Turkish World, the night connecting May 5 to May 6 is known as Hıdırellez. In the traditional calendar, the year was divided into two: Hızır Days from May 6 to November 7 (symbolizing summer) and Kasim Days from November 8 to May 5 (symbolizing winter).
Thus, May 6 marked the end of winter and the arrival of abundance with the start of summer, and it was celebrated accordingly. Hıdırellez, much like Nevruz, is a nature and spring festival celebrated for centuries by the Turkish people.”
The statement also highlighted that the reading group’s regular meeting coincided with the celebration:
“It happened to be a reading day for our group. Staying true to tradition, they couldn’t let Hıdırellez pass unmarked. They spontaneously organized a celebration. The symbolic rituals were followed by a reading session. On this occasion, we also extend our warmest Hıdırellez wishes to all our people!”
