The Ottoman Empire is known as a civilization that left its mark on world history not only with its political and military power, but also with its rich cultural heritage and traditions. Holidays were an important part of this rich heritage, and holiday celebrations had a special place in Ottoman society.
Holiday, After Muslims migrated to MedinaIt started in 624, in the early years of Islam. While Eid al-Fitr lasted 3 days, Eid al-Adha was celebrated for 4 days. Eid al-Fitr during the Ottoman Empire “Iyd-i Said-i Fitr” While Eid al-Adha is called “Iyd-i Said-i Adha” It was said. This traditional naming reflected the importance of holidays and celebration rituals in Ottoman society.
From candy treats Hagia SophiaIt covers the holiday culture of the Ottoman Empire in detail, in a wide range of subjects, from the Eid prayers performed in the Ottoman Empire, to the Eid celebrations held with the sultan in the palace, to the celebrations held by the people in the musalla squares. From dazzling ceremonies to the warm texture of daily life, Ottoman holiday tradition This article about opens the doors of the past.
Determination of the Eid in the Ottoman Period
When the holiday would begin in the Ottoman period, with the appearance of the crescent was determined. Astronomers would follow the Moon meticulously and determine the feast day accordingly. Then, the judge of Istanbul would announce the day of the holiday based on the information received.
Eve Ceremonies Were Held
In the Ottoman Empire, the day before the Eid, Eve ceremonies were held in a dazzling atmosphere in the second courtyard of the palace. In these ceremonies under the dome, integrated with the magnificent atmosphere of the palace, the sultan would accept holiday congratulations in his elegant and clean robe. While these ceremonies reflected the magnificence of the palace and the special meaning of the holiday, they were part of the traditional protocol of the Ottoman Empire.
Holiday Bonuses for Soldiers and Civil Servants
After the feast day was determined, preparations began. While special bonuses were given to soldiers and civil servants, iftar meals and various gifts were offered to the public in mosques. Especially sweets such as halva, cucumber, lamb and sugar were distributed to the soldiers.
The Beginning and End of the Eid with a Cannon Shot
During the Ottoman period, the beginning of the holiday was announced with a cannon shot on the eve of the holiday. On the last day of the holiday, the end of the holiday was announced to the public with the sound of cannon fire in the afternoon.
Holiday Celebrations in the Palace
Holiday celebrations in the palace, Fatih Code of LawIt would take place according to the criteria determined by . Sultan, Hırka-i Saadet After performing his prayer in his apartment, he would sit on his throne and, accompanied by prayers, holiday gifts would be distributed to the palace people.
Public Entertainments and Festivities
On some holidays, especially Eid al-Fitr, Ottoman sultans organized public entertainments and festivities. The magnificent gardens of the palace or private squares would host these events that crowned the joy of the holiday. In these traditionally held events, especially during the Eid al-Fitr, people would celebrate the Eid nights by having fun at fairs until late hours. This was an important tradition where the Ottoman society came together, shared the joy of the holiday and had a pleasant time together.
Aid to Poor Children
During the holidays, poor children were especially given gifts, and especially during the dispersal period, poor immigrant children were clothed. During ceremonies attended by the sultan, special events were organized with these children.
The Traditional Treat of the Eid: First Sugar, Then Coffee
During visits during holidays, first of all, candies were offered to the visiting guests. This tradition was a common practice during the Ottoman period. After the candy was served, coffee was served to the guests. In Ottoman society, the most consumed product after sugar was coffee.
Eid Prayer Tradition in Hagia Sophia
Eid prayers on Eid days were performed by the palace dignitaries. Hagia Sophia MosqueIt was performed in . Various people had the right to celebrate Eid with the sultan, and this traditional Eid celebration took place in Hagia Sophia. Certain ceremonies were held in the mosque and celebrations were held with the sultan.
People’s Holiday Celebration Tradition
The people’s holiday celebration tradition, “Musalla” It started with the Eid prayers performed in the squares called Eid al-Adha. After the prayer, people would celebrate Eid with each other and share their joy. Civil servants, on the other hand, would go to visit their superiors’ houses during the holidays. However, in 1845, these visits were banned on the grounds that they were costly, and civil servants were ordered to celebrate Eid with their superiors at their workplaces.
Navy Money and Kandil Trip
On Ramadan nights, children would gather and put a lamp or candle in a bowl and go door to door. This tradition was among the Ottoman holiday traditions under the name of children’s navy money. During home visits, children would sing nursery rhymes and ask for tips, which they called “navy money.” However, the lamps of houses that did not give this tip would be stoned by children.
The Tradition of Flying the Lamp
Another holiday tradition was to blow the lamp. Mahya makers would stretch a high rope between the mosque courtyard and the minaret balcony and slide lamps on this rope. These moments presented a visual feast, just like falling stars, and the public watched with excitement. It was known that this tradition was an important part of the Ottoman society that carried the holiday enthusiasm to the sky.
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