Coming up soon is Kurban Bayram - a holiday that is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. 

It is also referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice, or sometimes the Baqri Eid (cow festival), and in some countries it is known as Eid al Adha.

The festival, which this year falls on 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th November, commemorates the Islamic prophet Ibrahim, sacrificing a ram, in place of his son Ismael, as an act of obedience to God.

All the banks, Kalkan Belediye, and some other offices, will be closed on Monday 7th, Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th November.

At Kurban Bayram it is traditional for followers to wear their finest clothes as they attend prayer meetings.  

Those who can afford to do so will sacrifice an animal - usually a goat or cow or sheep.  Importantly, the meat will be shared, and in particular consideration is given at this time to those who are less well off.  In the days leading up to Bayram, you may see animals being transported around town and being sold.

In modern Turkey, some people will give money to the less well off rather than slaughter an animal.

At this time you may want to wish people a happy holiday, which in Turkish is "İyi Bayramlar".

Kalkan Turkish Local News - your window on Kalkan Turkey