The celebration of Thanksgiving is synonymous with the United States, but not many people are aware of Turkey’s unique adaptation of this holiday. Educating students about the history of the Turkish Thanksgiving and its significance can open new avenues for cultural understanding and appreciation.
To begin our exploration, it is important to clarify that Turkish Thanksgiving is not the same as its American counterpart. In Turkey, this day is instead referred to as a “Day of Thanks” or “Şükran Günü.” It is not a public holiday or directly tied to a specific historical event; however, it has evolved into a day dedicated to expressing gratitude and reflecting on one’s blessings.
The origins of the Turkish Day of Thanks can be traced back to ancient civilizations that resided in Anatolia – an area largely comprising modern-day Turkey. Among these groups were the Hittites and Sumerians who held harvest festivals in reverence of various deities relating to agriculture and fertility. These ancient rituals laid the foundations for contemporary expressions of gratitude through feasts and gatherings.
Similarly to the United States’ celebration of Thanksgiving, families in Turkey also gather together on this day to share in their bounty, typically with large meals centered around the traditional dish – an oven-roasted turkey. The feast generally includes appetizers known as meze, fresh salads, stuffing made from seasoned rice and currants, and various side dishes like green beans simmered in olive oil alongside carrots and potatoes.
Apart from the gathering itself, another crucial aspect of teaching students about Turkish Thanksgiving is exploring the cultural differences that make it distinct. In Turkey, different cultural practices accompany the tradition: expressing thanks through charity donations, visiting family members’ gravesites, and attending prayer sessions at local mosques are all ways recipients practice giving thanks on this special day.
Moreover, sharing stories and learning more about famous Turks who have contributed significantly to global history will add depth to students’ understanding. Examples of great Turks include figures like Mimar Sinan (a renowned architect), Yunus Emre (a poet, and mystic), and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (the founder of modern Turkey).
