Christmas in Turkey

Despite the country’s low Christian population percentage, it has many ties with Christmas. Turkey is the homeland of Santa and the place where the Virgin Mary allegedly spent her last days.

Like everywhere in the world, Christians in Turkey attend the Midnight Mass, decorate Christmas trees, exchange gifts, and spend time with their loved ones.

However, some Turkish Christmas traditions are peculiar to the region, such as sprinkling salt on the doorstep and throwing pomegranates on the ground to bring luck into the house.

The Birthplace of Santa

Not everyone knows, but Turkey is the birthplace of Santa Claus. One would expect that he was born on the North Pole, but his homeland is Myra, nowadays known as Demre, a town located near the Andriacus River in southwest Turkey.

Santa Claus wasn’t always a jolly plump man in a red fur-trimmed suit. He originated from a fourth-century bishop Saint Nicholas, also known as Nicholas of Bari, who was canonized for his generosity and kindness.

Nicholas inherited a lot of money from his parents before becoming a bishop, but he didn’t use it for lavish attires and large housing. Instead, he gave all the money to those in need.

According to legends, Nicholas had a poor neighbor with three daughters who had no dowry. One night, Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the man’s chimney, which allowed him to find husbands for his daughters.

The belief that Santa Claus enters houses through the chimney originated from this legend. In many countries, Saint Nicholas morphed into Santa and is an entirely different figure nowadays, but not in Turkey.

Turkish Santa Claus resembles a bishop, wearing a long robe and a miter, a traditional bishop’s hat. Turkish kids anticipate gifts from good old Saint Nicholas on December 6 (Saint Nicholas Day) and Christmas Eve.

The Church of St. Nicholas is now located in Demre, and thousands of people visit the town annually. Until the 10th century, the saint’s remnants were stored in the church but were later moved to a different location.

Christmas Decorations

The amount of Christmas decorations in Turkey is surprising, given that over 99% of the population is Muslim.

However, Turks value their cultural heritage and have a developed tourism industry, so Christmas symbols can be seen across the country.

The decorations are usually neutral, like Christmas trees, gift boxes, and stars, rather than religious. However, some cafes, shopping malls, and other commercial properties hang signs saying “Mutlu Noeller,” Merry Christmas in Turkish.

You may encounter Santa or two when strolling Turkish streets, sometimes accompanied by elves and reindeer, but it’s more common in touristic locations. Small villages may not have any Christmas decorations.

Turkish Christians put up Christmas trees at home, usually artificial, and adorn them with baubles, tinsel, and lights. Garlands and poinsettias are very popular. Advent wreaths are common among deeply religious people.

Many Turkish Christians set up nativity scenes depicting Jesus in a manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and farm animals in a cave or stable setting.

You won’t see private houses decorated for Christmas in Turkey. All the decorations are indoors, apart from fairy lights along the roof or balcony.

Gift Exchange

Turks exchange gifts for Christmas like most Christians, but only with the immediate family.

Children usually get something small from Saint Nicholas, like treats or toys. If they want something more significant, they must ask their parents.

The House of The Virgin Mary

Saint Nicholas isn’t the only reason Christmas is associated with Turkey. The House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic shrine situated on Mount Koressos, allegedly was the home of Jesus’ mother and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

The shrine isn’t large but rather modest, built from stones dating to the Apostolic Age. In the main room is a large Virgin Mary statue where pilgrims can pray.

Nowadays, outside the shrine is set up a wishing wall where people can tie their wishes written on pieces of fabric. Nearby is a fountain that is believed to have healing powers.

According to scriptures, Apostle John brought Mary to this house in Ephesus after the Resurrection of Christ, where she stayed for the remainder of her earthy life.

Christmas Activities

There aren’t many Christmas markets in Istanbul and other Turkish towns because most locals don’t celebrate the holiday. December 24 and 25 are regular working days.

However, there are large fairs selling locally produced foods, arts, and crafts held weekly across the country that resemble Christmas markets.

The goods aren’t sold in cozy wooden stalls, and the air isn’t filled with mulled wine aroma, but the general atmosphere is similar.

Many such markets raise funds for charity, embracing the meaning of Christmas, intentionally or not. Recently, more and more pop-up Christmas fairs have been appearing in tourist areas.

For example, the International Women of Istanbul’s (IWI) Christmas Bazaar only runs for two days but helps thousands of women from disadvantaged communities every year.

Istanbul’s Francophone cultural association organizes the Noel Bazaar, which is running for a weekend in mid-December, where visitors can buy handmade goods and watch performances.

Interestingly, there are fewer events on Christmas Day than in early December. Locals usually spend Christmas Eve going to church and eating traditional dinner with family and Christmas Day resting after the festivities.

Some locals watch Christmas movies, while others take advantage of the warm weather and head outdoors hiking, cycling, or soaking in the thermal springs of Pamukkale.

Church Services

Christian Turks attend the Midnight Mass either on December 24 or January 6, depending on the denomination. Orthodox Christians celebrate religious holidays with a 13-day difference because they follow the Julian calendar.

Midnight Mass in Turkey involves reading passages from the scriptures, singing hymns, praying at the altar, and an optional Holy Communion.

After the Mass ends, everyone wishes each other Merry Christmas and heads home to celebrate with their families.

One of the most attended Christmas church services in Turkey takes place in St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Ortakoy, Istanbul.

Local Eastern Orthodox Christians can attend a Midnight Mass in the marvelous Bulgarian St. Stephen Church in Istanbul, a beautiful example of Byzantine architectural style.

Roman Catholics in Istanbul typically go to the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, which blends gothic style with native motifs.

Deyrulzafaran Monastery Church in Mardin is one of the oldest churches in the country, established in the fifth century.

Christmas Food

Turkish Christmas food has a lot in common with western festive cuisine. Some locals eat roast poultry or glazed ham with potatoes or rice on the side, topped with gravy and currant sauce.

The poultry is traditionally glazed with a mixture of olive oil, tomato paste, and yogurt, which gives it a unique taste and golden color. Western-style foods are commonly served in hotels for tourists to feel at home.

However, many local Christian families cook traditional Turkish foods like shakshuka, kisir, and yaprak dolma. Shakshuka is essentially a stew made from vegetables, including eggplant, artichokes, and beans, sometimes with meat.

Kisir is a bulgur wheat-based dish with tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and mint that can be eaten on its own or with chicken. Yaprak dolma is vine leaves stuffed with minced meat, rice, parsley, garlic, and spices.

Manti, the Turkish version of dumplings, usually topped with sour cream and pepper, are a must-try for any tourist. Turks believe that hummus goes well with any dish and can even be the main entrée.

Christmas pudding, panettone, Yule log cake, and gingerbread aren’t widespread in Turkey. These desserts are only served in hotels for tourists, whereas locals eat traditional Turkish desserts.

Baklava is a real crowd-pleaser, a worldwide-famous treat with finely chopped pistachio nuts and honey. Another famous dessert is Turkish delight, little jelly-like squares with various flavors, including rose, lemon, and orange.

Instead of gingerbread, Turkish kids eat almond cookies topped with sugar powder. Ice cream lovers will admire ice cream with Turkish delight pieces, wine, and nuts.

Mulled wine and eggnog are popular among tourists but not locals. Turks usually accompany the dinner with raki, the Turkish equivalent of vodka.

Where To Celebrate Christmas in Turkey

If you’re ever in Turkey for Christmas, rural villages aren’t your best choice unless you want to visit the birthplace of Saint Nicholas or the House of the Virgin Mary.

The best place to spend Christmas in Turkey is undoubtedly Istanbul, a popular tourist destination offering an array of activities for any preference.

Fethiye, a town serving as a hub for ex-pat communities, holds a number of festive events, including the Christmas Craft Fair and The Big Splash.

In Dalyan, locals and tourists celebrate Christmas by setting up tables on Iztuzu Beach for a communal feast. It’s a perfect place to feel the union of Christians across all regions and denominations.

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