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Turkey is a Muslim country and Turkish people do not celebrate Christmas as such, although the idea is not a thoroughly alien one. Santa Claus (Father Christmas) was born in Turkey and is called Noel Baba in Turkish. It has long been the tradition that Noel Baba would bring gifts to kids on New Year’s Eve.

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Many shops and garden centres stock Christmas trees and decorations. Every year there are more shops and restaurants festively decorated with Christmas trees and lights. Despite all that, however, December 24th and 25th are completely normal work days. No one celebrates or exchanges gifts. But all that changes on 31st December…

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New Year’s Eve (Yılbaşı gecesi) is one of the most popular holidays in Turkey. The New Year’s Eve traditions in this country include a family dinner, a national lottery drawing and a countdown to midnight. Houses are also decorated and it is not unusual to see Santa Claus with a Happy New Year (Mutlu Yıllar) sign.

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Many people in Turkey start celebrating New Year’s Eve with a large family dinner. TV shows begin in late afternoon and continue until early morning of the next day. Many people play games while waiting for the clock to strike midnight. Older generations used to play bingo during New Year’s Eve gatherings, a tradition that partly continues today.

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State TV channels announce the winning numbers of a New Year’s national lottery just before midnight.  Many people also congratulate each other and exchange small gifts at midnight between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

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In large cities, people gather in the town squares where they dance and watch fireworks.

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It should come as no surprise that the Turks have their own special traditions for the night, marking the start of the New Year.

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Opening the tap at midnight and letting the water run is also believed to bring good abundance and good fortune.

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Another tradition involves smashing a pomegranate on your front door at the midnight mark. There is also the less messy option of sprinkling salt on your doorstep – all in an effort bring prosperity and good fortune for the year to follow.

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To bring more money into your life, you are supposed to unlock a padlock at the stroke of midnight.

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And if it is travel that you seek, take a short stroll at midnight, as it is believed this will bring journeys into your life.

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Whatever the traditions or superstitions, whether you celebrate Christmas or New Year, it is a time for family and friends to gather together and share each other’s dreams for the coming year…

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