Turkish weddings: modernity and ancient rituals

Turkish weddings are not just a celebration. A long process based on ancient rituals. Like many Muslim (however, not only Muslim) weddings, it consists of several stages. Despite the fact that the Turkish youth often independently decides on marriage, weddings under the parents' agreement in Turkey still take place.

The first thing to do is lookout, and then matchmaking

The conclusion of marriage in Turkey begins with the fact that the groom's parents declare their relatives that they are looking for a bride for their son. All relatives are connected to the search. As soon as a suitable girl appeared on the horizon, the first rite begins - bridesmaids. Without them, Turkish weddings are impossible. Only women headed by the bridegroom participate in the brides. After watching, both sides diverge and discuss the outcome. If the girl liked and her fiancé arranged the parents, a matchmaking day is appointed, the decision about which (as well as about further activities) is taken by men. Turkish weddings of Ahiska adhere strictly to customs: even the verbal formulas for each ceremony correspond strictly to the Koran. Three times, first the relatives of the groom, and then the bride's relatives, loudly announce the forthcoming engagement. Incidentally, very often even a Russian-Turkish wedding takes place under the same scenario, especially if the groom is a Turk. Usually visits to the house of the bride matchmaker make several times and only then receive consent: this is the custom. Securing the deal, the groom gives the bride a ring and a handkerchief, and the parents discuss the details. This stage ends with a feast.

Stage three - betrothal

It takes place in the house of the bride. The relatives are invited, in a solemn atmosphere the parties exchange gifts, and on the finger of the bride wear an expensive ring. In some nationalities, the groom at this event may not be present: his relatives are enough. Turkish weddings and customs are different in detail: everything depends on the people, place of residence, etc.

Here's the wedding!

Turkish weddings consist of two stages. She begins by hanging a wedding flag in the groom's house. At the bride in the house friends and relatives gather, traditional chants grease her feet and hands with henna, and then have fun. The second stage is the removal of the bride from the house. Usually a wedding train is made, but until now some brides are transported to the groom on a horse. The procession is headed by a car with a dowry, then the bride is taken, belted with a red belt (a sign of innocence). Dancing guests accompany her from behind. Before the young man crosses the threshold of the husband's house, water is poured under her feet (from the evil eye), and the doorposts and door are smeared with honey and oil (to riches). Exactly at midnight, young people singing to the chants leave for the bedroom. And then the real fun begins. Men burn their guns, reporting the beginning of the wedding night, then they arrange a torchlight procession. In the morning, his mother-in-law hung a sheet, proving the integrity of the bride.

Turkish weddings: similar and different

Naturally, wedding ceremonies differ in different regions of Turkey. Somewhere, each stage is accompanied by expensive gifts. Somewhere "night of henna" is arranged and the groom, accompanying the action by public washing and shaving the latter. But no matter how different the traditional celebration is in detail, it always remains a colorful and vivid spectacle.