The Turks being predominantly Muslims, Turkish marriage therefore responds to the precepts of Islam. However, there are some differences, linked to the country’s traditions, with Muslim marriages from other regions of the globe.
Turkish wedding: engagement
The future husband goes with his parents to the parents’ home of the one he has chosen to ask for his hand. After several visits, a verbal agreement is given. The engagement festival takes place with the parents of the future bride. This is an opportunity to share a meal with happy entertainment and give gifts to the promise, such as jewelry. A preparation period follows this first party. Families then discuss the date of the wedding, the amount of the dowry and the purchases of equipment.
Turkish wedding: preparations before the ceremony
The bride must above all purify her body during the hammam ritual. The “Kina Gecesi”, that is to say the henna night, then took place. This is sort of the moment that marks the end of her life as a girl. Hands and feet are coated with henna. This celebration must bring prosperity and success to the young couple. According to the Turkish Civil Code, the bride and groom then go to the town hall to act their civil marriage, compulsory stage before religious marriage.
Turkish wedding: the ceremony
Religious marriage is celebrated by an imam at the end of the day after the call for evening prayer. Traditionally, the bride has a white dress and covers her head with a red veil. It is a procession, made up of the family of the groom and guests, who comes to pick her up with her parents. Families then exchange money to send the bride to her future husband. It is a symbolic counterpart. The meal of the festivities is generally generous and very lively. The Turks like to dance. At the end, the “Taki” ceremony allows guests to offer presents to the bride and groom to help them start their new life. Tickets are notably hung around their neck. Customs and rituals can however vary depending on the original region of families of the two spouses.
