New Year's Day in Turkey

Date and Recognition: New Year's Day, occurring on January 1st, is a national holiday in Turkey. It marks the start of the new calendar year.

History: While Turkey has its own cultural and historical celebrations, New Year's Day as celebrated today is largely influenced by Gregorian calendar traditions. The adoption of this day as a celebration is relatively modern, having gained popularity in Turkey in the 20th century.

Traditions: New Year's Eve and Day are times for festivities in Turkey, much like in many other parts of the world. Some traditional activities include:

• Family Gatherings: People often gather for a family dinner on New Year's Eve. These meals can be quite lavish, with dishes such as stuffed turkey taking center stage.
• Lottery Draw: Buying tickets for the national lottery called "Milli Piyango" is a common tradition with many hoping to start the year with good fortune.
• Gift Giving: Exchanging gifts among loved ones has become part of the New Year tradition.
• Street Celebrations: In non-pandemic times, public squares like Taksim Square in Istanbul are crowded with people celebrating, complete with fireworks and concerts.
• TV Programs: Special entertainment programs are broadcasted on television throughout the evening.

What People Do: On New Year’s Day itself, after the festivities from the night before, it is common for people to relax at home or visit friends and family to wish them well for the new year. It’s also common for some to make resolutions or plan ahead for what they hope to achieve in the coming year. Public life is generally quiet as many businesses are closed, allowing for a day of rest and reflection.