Qalandar Night: Information About Its Meaning, History and Importance

Qalandar Night: Traditions and Meaning

Qalandar, is an important celebration representing a deep-rooted tradition in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. The night between the 13th and 14th of January every year is celebrated with enthusiasm, especially in the provinces of Trabzon and Gümüşhane. This special night symbolizes the beginning of the new year and brings with it many local rituals.

What is Qalandar?

Qalandar, Latin Calendae It is derived from the word and means “the first day of the month”. This tradition marks the beginning of the new year according to the Rumi calendar. Kalandar, according to the Gregorian calendar January 14 This night is filled with families and neighbors getting together to organize various events.

Importance of Qalandar Night

Kalandar night is a time when social ties are strengthened, individuals exchange gifts and have fun together. This night also allows the cultural values ​​​​passed down from the past to the present to be kept alive. Kalandar is not only a celebration, but also a time when the sense of solidarity and sharing is strengthened.

Traditional Events Held in Kalandar

  • Preparing Special Meals: On Kalandar night, local people prepare special meals in their homes. Traditional foods such as cabbage rolls, boiled corn and potatoes, zucchini slices, hazelnuts, walnuts, apples, pears and quinces are on the table.
  • Bag Throwing Tradition: On the Qalandar night, the tradition of “throwing a bag” among neighbors is also very popular. Gifts are put in a bag and left at the neighbor’s door with a long rope. The neighbor who opens the bag puts special gifts in the same bag and sends it back.
  • New Year's Goodness: This night is filled with individuals wishing each other well, forgetting past grievances, and making a new beginning. People give each other candy, cookies, and various gifts.

Rituals Performed in Kalandar

On the Qalandar night, it is also a common tradition for people to wear interesting clothes to prevent the evil eye from affecting each other. These clothes create a fun atmosphere and become a part of the entertainment. In addition, various songs and folk songs related to this night are sung and danced.

Time and Place of Kalandar Celebrations

Kalandar is celebrated enthusiastically in the Eastern Black Sea region every year on the night between the 13th and 14th of January. This night is awaited with great excitement, especially in the provinces of Trabzon and Gümüşhane. Kalandar is not only a celebration, but also a part of the cultural identity of the region.

The Future of Kalandar

Kalandar Night maintains its importance in modern times. Various events are organized to ensure that younger generations adopt and keep this tradition alive. Local governments and cultural associations organize festivals to promote and keep Kalandar alive. In this way, this important tradition is passed on to future generations by building a bridge between generations.

In short, Qalandar Night

Kalandar night is not only a tradition, but also a social bond. This special night, where people come together to celebrate and where feelings of love and solidarity are at the forefront, is an important cultural heritage that has been carried from the past to the present. Kalandar is a time period filled with the importance of togetherness and sharing, and therefore it emerges as a value that must be kept alive.