Traditional Turkish Weddings: A Celebration of Love

Are you ready to say “evet” to someone from Türkiye? Or Have you ever wondered what a Turkish wedding looks like and how it differs from your own country? Then this blog post is definitely for you! If you're not ready for marriage yet, that's fine. If you like Turkish series you it’s very likely that you have seen the wedding ceremony in those Turkish TV series already . Even if you have not seen it, you must have witnessed that a Turkish friend made a plan for their wedding 1 year in advance. Because planning a traditional Turkish wedding requires attention.

Traditional Turkish Weddings A Celebration of Love

Are you ready to say “evet” to someone from Türkiye?

Or Have you ever wondered what a Turkish wedding looks like and how it differs from your own country? Then this blog post is definitely for you!

If you’re not ready for marriage yet, that’s fine. If you like Turkish series you it’s very likely that you have seen the wedding ceremony in those Turkish TV series already .

Today we will talk with you about the legendary Turkish weddings and we will explore the
fantastic traditions through the wedding path. If you are ready, let’s dive into the path of
happiness!

Traditional Turkish Weddings

Turkish Weddings

Traditional Turkish Weddings

 

You must have seen the parties held before the wedding on Instagram.
However, Turkish weddings don’t start with that. There’s a lot of work to be done before it comes to Instagram posts.

It all starts with “Kız İsteme”, where the groom visits the bride’s family to ask for a marriage
permission. It is considered as a way of showing respect to the bride’s family.

It is the part where the bride’s family has a chance to get to know the groom’s side in terms of education,
culture and job. The groom has to bring gifts like lokum, baklava and flowers.

The most enjoyable part of “Kız İsteme” is that the bride makes a Türk Kahvesi and puts spices and salt in the groom’s Turkish Coffee. If the groom succeeds at drinking salty coffee, then he is considered as a perfect candidate! *Do not forget this*

Traditional Turkish Weddings

Turkish Weddings

Well, if the groom loves the bride enough to drink salty coffee then they will enter the phase of the engagement ceremony! “Nişan Töreni” (Engagement Ceremony) which is an official announcement to friends and family that the couple is engaged.

It makes the couple officially bride and groom. The groom gives a gold ring to the bride!

Traditional Turkish Weddings

Turkish Weddings

Turkish Weddings

After the “Nişan Töreni”, pre-wedding preparations take place *Give yourself 1 year to plan that* such as the place, the date, henna nights and other traditions.

*Be careful who you are inviting to the wedding*

Traditional Turkish Weddings

Turkish Weddings

Let’s dive into the Kına Gecesi (Henna Night)! Be careful, this is the only female allowed event where the bride’s hands have to be covered with henna.

Kına gecesi is a night where they spend with dancing, singing and celebrating that the bride is gonna move out from her father’s place soon! We have a special song for that:


“Yüksek yüksek tepelere ev kurmasınlar
Yüksek yüksek tepelere ev kurmasınlar
Aşrı aşrı memlekete kız vermesinler
Aşrı aşrı memlekete kız vermesinler
Annesinin bir tanesini hor görmesinler
Annesinin bir tanesini hor görmesinler
Let them not build houses on high high hills
Let them not build houses on high high hills
They should not give girls to the country excessively.
They should not give girls to the country excessively.
Let them not despise one of their mothers
Let them not despise one of their mothers”

Traditional Turkish Weddings

Turkish Weddings


After the Kına Gcesi, there is usually a break for a few days and the wedding day starts. On the wedding day, the event we call “Gelin Alma” takes place.


This part usually starts in front of the groom’s family’s house.


The groom, his relatives and friends leave the house to the accompaniment of the drum and zurna. After dancing for a bit in front of the groom’s house, they set out for the bride’s house.


Just remember that the kids may block cars to ask for money!Accompanied by the drum and zurna, one reaches the bride’s door.


Usually, the bride’s family playfully prevents the groom’s family from entering.


This task is usually undertaken by the bride’s sister.


He tries to persuade his sister by giving money. If his sister is convinced by the money, the door opens!


Traditional Turkish Weddings

Turkish Weddings


Turkish Weddings

What happens when the groom takes the bride from her house? *Everyone cries* They will head to the place where the ceremony will take place. The wedding ceremony is typically a lively event with music, dancing and delicious traditional food!

If they follow the old traditions, then it is possible that they may go to the groom’s house! There are various traditions that have even been the subject of legends.

For example, in various villages of Turkey, they break bread on the bride’s head before she enters the house. It means abundance and prosperity.

If the bride and groom have not had an official marriage ceremony before the marriage office, the wedding officer will come to the wedding ceremony. They are asked by the marriage officer if they accept each other!

Traditional Turkish Weddings post

Turkish Weddings video

“İyi günde kötü günde, sağlıkta hastalıkta , zenginlikte , yoksullukta, sonsuza kadar severek, kimsenin etkisi olmadan, onu eşin olarak kabul ediyor musun? In good times and bad, in health, in sickness, in wealth, in poverty, loving forever, without anyone’s influence, do you accept her as your wife?”

Then, if the answer is “evet” from both sides they are officially a couple!

Let’s go towards the end of the night.. The bride and groom cut the wedding cake. If the groom prefers, they will make “çeyiz serme” tradition, where the groom spreads the bride’s dowry such as towels and blankets.

Traditional Turkish Weddings

Turkish Weddings

If you think that you will watch silently as the guests come to the wedding, you are wrong. On the dance floor, you have to show your dancing skills with Turkish songs like

“Ankaranın Bağları”
“İp attım ucu kaldı da
Darak da gücü kaldı
Ben sevim eller aldı da
İçimde acı kaldı
I threw the rope but its end remained
Therefore, its force remained
I loved, and they took it from me
Pain remained inside me”

Although some traditions are left behind, some traditions continue to exist.

Today, couples have more freedom to choose their partners, wedding venues, and styles of celebration. Nevertheless, traditional customs and practices, such as the Kina Gecesi and Gelin Alma, continue to be an important part of Turkish wedding celebrations.

As you can see from the Kina Gecesi to the Wedding Day, each phase of the wedding celebration has its own importance! Attending a Turkish wedding will make your soul nourished and joyful.

Whether you are a guest or a significant other of the groom and bride, you will have an unforgettable experience! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!

Share: