As they celebrate the new year in Turkey

New Year by the Sea - as they celebrate the winter holiday in Turkey
This holiday we begin to wait almost from the summer - New Year, a time when everything around is covered with a certain aura of magic. We are all accustomed to certain traditions and symbols: the chiming clock, Santa Claus with deer, the midnight greeting of the president and gifts. But does New Year celebrate in Turkey? And if so, how. 
This question is particularly relevant for those who decided to buy an apartment in Turkey to move here for permanent residence, or simply planning a winter holiday in the sunny country.

New Year - a holiday young
In fact, the New Year in Turkey is celebrated no more than a hundred years. More precisely, less than a century ago (January 1, 1926), Turkey switched to the Gregorian chronology. For this, the Turks should thank their first president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. 
But the Turks began to celebrate the holiday only in 1935. But even then, the celebration was, to put it mildly, conditional, without scope. Since the day off January 1 was announced only in 1981. 
Only now the imams still do not recognize this holiday and do not recommend the local population to put trees in the houses. But the Turks are not discouraged and answer: "We do not namaz in the direction of the Christmas tree, and the New Year tree is just a beautiful symbol of the holiday."

Where is the brightest new year? 
If the New Year is really celebrated in Turkey in a big way, it is in Istanbul and on the Mediterranean coast. 
The fact is that in Antalya and Alanya there are a lot of foreigners living, some of whom decided to buy property in Turkey, and some simply rent apartments. And in Istanbul many Eastern Christians live. 
So, how is the New Year celebration? 
On the Antalya coast, many hotels organize New Year's Eve with a gorgeous table, Santa Claus and dancing. And representatives of the Russian society arrange Christmas trees and mornings for children. 
In Istanbul, festivals usually take place in the open, in areas such as Kadikoy, Taksim and Sultanahmet. 
Here, holidaymakers are waiting for mass celebrations, and chic fireworks.
New Year trees are being arranged in the capital of the Southern Republic - Ankara. 
But in other cities, everything is much more modest. You can book a table in a restaurant or cafe or meet New Year's Eve at home, with your family. 
By the way, champagne and caviar are not at all New Year symbols, the Turks actually do not eat caviar at all.

As they celebrate the new year in Alanya, the
main holiday of the year in Alanya begins to celebrate in early December. It is in the first decade of the month that a Christmas fair is usually held. It passes near the port, not far from the Red Tower. 
The fair is attended by representatives of all foreign societies, of which there are many in Alanya, because the population of this city on the Mediterranean coast today can easily be called international. 
Here there will be a huge Christmas tree, and Santa Claus with the Snow Maiden, and a sea of ​​gifts. As well as "for snack" national dishes of different countries, and for souvenirs - handmade products. 
Many shops also decorate their windows with Christmas trees, snowflakes and colored balls.
New Year's morning performances are arranged for children by the Alanyan Association of Russian Culture. On the “trees” children and dances lead, and the songs are sung, and as expected, receive gifts. 
Well, on the night of December 31 to January 1, a festive program will be organized by hotels, night clubs and restaurants. So the music in the center of Alanya does not subside until the morning.

Turkish "The Irony of Fate"
On New Year's Eve, a good part of the Turkish population falls to the TV screens, because the Turkish version of "The Irony of Fate", or rather, the drawing of the New Year lottery Milli Piango, shows for them. 
On the eve of the holiday, everyone is actively buying up happy tickets with the hope of getting the jackpot. After all, the jackpot is rather big. This year, 70 million Turkish liras will be raffled off (which is about 11.5 million euros at the current exchange rate). 
Accompanied by viewing the Christmas lottery by eating seeds and nuts. And no you Olivier with tangerines. 
By the way, Christmas gifts in Turkey are not particularly common. Of course, parents try to please the children with small surprises. But the most long-awaited gift for adults is still the Milli Piango lottery ticket. Worth trying.

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