Kurban Bayram in 2023: the history, essence and traditions of the holiday
Kurban Bayram, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the two main Muslim holidays, in 2023 it will be celebrated on June 28, official holidays from June 28 to July 02, but government organizations will be closed from June 24.
History of the holiday
The name itself refers to the story of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), the events of which are described in sura 37 of the Koran. Once, the angel Jabrail (identified with the biblical archangel Gabriel) appeared to him in a dream and conveyed that Allah orders his son to be sacrificed. It was about the eldest son Ismail (Isaac appeared in the Old Testament).
And Ibrahim, despite mental anguish, nevertheless agreed to kill a loved one. But at the very last moment, Allah replaced the victim with a sheep. It was a test of faith, and Ibrahim successfully passed it.
Since then, Muslims annually remember Ibrahim and the mercy of Allah. The holiday has been celebrated in Arab, Turkish and other Muslim countries since the first centuries of the existence of Islam. For most believers, Kurban Bayram is the main holiday of the year.
What is the difference between Kurban Bayram and Uraza Bayram?
Uraza Bayram is a holiday celebrated in honor of the end of the fast in the month of Ramadan. Kurban Bayram is a holiday of mercy and sacrifice.
What kind of presents they give for Kurban Bayram?
A win-win gift for Kurban Bayram is a prestigious sweet present. It can be expensive chocolates, cakes, a set of eco-teas, a sweet bouquet, baklava.
How do they celebrate at home
If the sacrificer strictly follows the Koranic prescriptions, a third of the meat of the animal he sacrificed should be cooked immediately, a third distributed to the poor people, and a third divided among relatives and neighbours. In the evening, the person who made the sacrifice necessarily arranges a dastarkhan (a solemn feast), at which he feeds all those in need. At the head of the table, which is dominated by a variety of meat treats, sits an ulema or some honored guest.
For the Turks, every Bayram is an occasion to reunite with their children and relatives. On holidays, buses, trains and planes are full, and cities are empty, as their residents seek to spend as much time as possible with family and friends. This year will be no exception. Already many Antalya hotels are completely full booked for these dates with Turkish residents from Istanbul and Ankara.
How to say congratulations in Turkish
Kurban Bayramınız mübarek olsun. May your Kurban Bayram be blessed.
En iyi dileklerim! Best wishes!