Rebirth of Nature:

Nowruz symbolises the renewal of nature with the end of winter and the arrival of spring. This situation refreshes the feelings of new beginnings, hope and fertility.

Sustaining Cultural Identity and Traditions:

For Turks, Nowruz is part of a cultural heritage where centuries-old traditions and customs are kept alive. Nowruz reinforces the commitment of Turkic communities to their historical roots, folklore and national identity.

National Unity and Solidarity:

This holiday brings together people from different regions and communities; it creates common values, solidarity and a spirit of unity. Especially during the period of national struggle, it was also adopted as a symbol of resistance and freedom struggle.

Sacredness and Rituals:

Nowruz represents not only the awakening of nature, but also the spiritual and social renewal of people. The rituals, dances, music and collective celebrations organised within the scope of the holiday reinforce the unity and solidarity of the society.

• A Universal Celebration:

Nowruz is celebrated not only in Turks but also in Iran, Central Asia, Balkans and many other cultures. In this respect, Nowruz represents an intercultural dialogue and a chain of common values.

In conclusion, 21 March Nowruz is an important centuries-old tradition that symbolises the harmony of the Turkish people with nature, historical and cultural identity, national unity and solidarity. This holiday, which is celebrated every year, is regarded as an expression of both individual and social renewal, hope and resistance.

Historical and Cultural Origins

Ancient Origins: Nowruz has its roots in ancient Iran, the Zoroastrian belief system and Central Asian mythologies. For thousands of years, Turkic communities have celebrated this holiday, which symbolises the renewal of life with the arrival of spring and the coming of bright days after dark days.

Cultural Heritage: Nevruz, which is part of a common cultural heritage that Turks have adopted in the vast geographies they have migrated throughout history, plays an important role in strengthening national and ethnic identity.

Symbols

Fire: The use of fire for renewal, purification and the removal of bad energies is one of the most prominent symbols of Nowruz. The rituals organised around the fire symbolise leaving behind the negativity of the past and saying hello to new beginnings.

The Awakening of Nature: The blossoming of flowers, the greening of trees and the longer sunshine are the most tangible signs of the rebirth of nature. These natural phenomena reflect the hope that the holiday brings and the continuity of life.

New Beginnings Rituals such as cleaning, decorating the house and wearing new clothes symbolise the desire of individuals and society to renew itself.

Events and Celebration Traditions

Fire lighting and jumping over it: In some regions, a fire is lit to celebrate the end of winter and the coming of spring; people believe that by jumping over this fire, they leave behind past troubles.

Folk Dances and Music: Nowruz is celebrated with traditional folk dances, musical performances and songs. These events play a major role in keeping alive the cultural values and folklore passed down from generation to generation.

Food and Festivities: Special meals are prepared and the community comes together to share a meal, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and living together. Picnics, outdoor festivities and cultural events are also important parts of this day.

Social Gatherings: Nowruz is not only a ritual of individual renewal, but also a day when social ties are strengthened and unity and solidarity are celebrated. In many small and large events, neighbourly relations and friendships are renewed.

Importance for Turks

For Turkic communities, Nowruz has an important place in the preservation of cultural identity and common historical consciousness. This holiday

Provides Unity and Solidarity: It encourages social solidarity and living together.

Keeps Cultural Heritage Alive: It ensures the preservation of traditions and customs passed down from the past to the present between generations.

Gives a Message of Renewal and Hope: With the awakening of nature, it is celebrated as a symbol of new beginnings and hopeful tomorrows for every individual.

As in many cultures throughout history, Nawruz is an enthusiastic day full of hope, symbolising the cyclicality of life and the deep connection with nature in Turkish culture. In this sense, it offers the opportunity for renewal and purification at both individual and social levels.

Cumhuriyet Bayramı, Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisinin 29 Ekim 1923'te Cumhuriyet yönetimi ilan etmesi anısına her yıl 29 Ekim günü Türkiye'de ve Kuzey Kıbrıs'ta kutlanan bir milli bayramdır.

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti'nin kurucusu Mustafa Kemal Atatürk bu günü "en büyük bayram" olarak nitelendirmiştir.

29 Ekimlerde stadyumlarda şenlikler yapılır.Her yer Türk bayrakları ile süslenir. Geleneksel olarak fener alayları düzenlenir.

October 29 Republic Day

Republic Day is a national holiday celebrated every year on October 29 in Turkey and Northern Cyprus to commemorate the proclamation of the Republic by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on October 29, 1923.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, described this day as "the greatest holiday."

On October 29, celebrations are held in stadiums, and everywhere is decorated with Turkish flags. Traditionally, torchlight processions are organized.

Ramadan Bayram (Eid al-Fitr) is one of the two major holidays in Islam and holds great significance. It is celebrated to express gratitude and joy after the month-long fasting during Ramadan. This holiday represents a time of spiritual purification, unity, and solidarity for Muslims. During the holiday, families and friends come together, and feelings of mutual aid and solidarity are emphasized. Particularly through acts of worship such as fitra (charity) and zakat (almsgiving), support is extended to those in need, strengthening social solidarity. Ramadan Bayram is a special period where love, tolerance, and the spirit of sharing come to the forefront, strengthening the bonds between people.

18 Mart Çanakkale Zaferi, Türk tarihinin en önemli dönüm noktalarından biridir. 1915 yılında I. Dünya Savaşı sırasında, Çanakkale Boğazı’nı geçmeye çalışan İtilaf Devletleri’ne karşı Türk ordusu büyük bir direniş göstererek tarihe altın harflerle yazılmış bir zafer kazanmıştır. Bu zafer, sadece bir askeri başarı değil, aynı zamanda Türk milletinin vatan savunması uğruna gösterdiği birlik, beraberlik ve fedakarlığın da simgesidir.

Çanakkale Savaşı’nda yüz binlerce şehit verilmiştir. Bu nedenle 18 Mart, aynı zamanda şehitlerimizi anma günüdür. Bugün, vatan uğruna canlarını feda eden kahramanlarımızın aziz hatırasını yaşatmak ve onlara minnet borcumuzu ifade etmek için önemli bir fırsattır. Çanakkale ruhu, Türk milletine bağımsızlık, özgürlük ve vatan sevgisi gibi değerleri aşılamıştır.

The Importance of March 18th, Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs' Memorial Day

March 18th, the Çanakkale Victory, is one of the most significant turning points in Turkish history. During World War I in 1915, the Turkish army displayed immense resistance against the Allied Forces attempting to cross the Dardanelles Strait, achieving a victory that was etched in history with golden letters. This victory is not only a military success but also a symbol of the unity, solidarity, and sacrifice of the Turkish nation for the defense of the homeland.

Hundreds of thousands of martyrs were lost in the Battle of Çanakkale. Therefore, March 18th is also a day to commemorate our martyrs. Today is an important opportunity to honor the memory of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the homeland and to express our gratitude to them. The spirit of Çanakkale has instilled values such as independence, freedom, and love for the homeland in the Turkish nation.

Mikis Theodorakis, born in 1925, died in 2021. One of the most famous Greek composers wrote classical music, film scores, and popular songs.

Composed the music for Zorba the Greek, blended classical music with Greek tradiotions.

Some of the songs he wrote and we sang, Rock by rock my sorrow, if you remember my dream, the little north wind

Bu bayramda insanlar sabah bayram namazı kılar, büyüklerini ziyaret eder, akraba ve komşularla bayramlaşır. Çocuklara genellikle şeker, çikolata ve harçlık verilir. İkramlar, dayanışma ve yardımlaşma bu bayramın önemli unsurlarıdır.Aynı zamanda ihtiyaç sahiplerine fitre ve sadaka verilmesi de teşvik edilir. Ramazan Bayramı, birlik, beraberlik ve hoşgörünün ön planda olduğu özel bir zamandır.

Eid al-Fitr is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims after fasting during the month of Ramadan. It lasts for three days and is also known as "Eid al-Fitr". Eid begins at the end of Ramadan with the sighting of the crescent moon.

On this day, people perform Eid prayers in the morning, visit their elders, and exchange Eid with relatives and neighbors. Children are usually given candy, chocolate and pocket money. Treats, solidarity and solidarity are important elements of this Eid. At the same time, giving fitre and alms to those in need is encouraged. Eid al-Fitr is a special time when unity, solidarity and tolerance are at the forefront.

We reenacted the Klidona tradition with the children. The Klidona celebration is celebrated on June 23rd in Crete, which is the night of the summer solstice. In the old days, people would gather around a big jar filled with water and flowers. They believed that the jar could reveal secrets and tell the future. Young girls would also drop small items into the jar and wait for signs. Afterward, they would sing, dance, and have fun together, hoping for good luck and happiness.

We reenacted The Klidona tradition with children. The Klidona celebration is celebrated on June 23rd in Crete, which is the night of the summer solstice. In the old days, people would gather around a big jar filled with water and flowers. They believed that the jar could reveal secrets and tell the future. Young girls would also drop small items into the jar and wait for signs. Afterward, they would sing, dance, and have fun together, hoping for good luck and happiness.

What do we do on April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day?

On April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day, children all over the country start with the commemoration of Atatürk and then recite poems, sing songs and perform dances. During the ceremonies, children dress up in local costumes, perform folk dances and introduce all parts of the country.

Ramazan ayı, sabrın, paylaşmanın ve manevi huzurun en yoğun yaşandığı zamanlardan biridir. Müslümanlar bu kutsal ayda oruç tutarak hem bedenlerini hem de ruhlarını arındırır; yardımlaşma, affetme ve şükretme duygularını derinleştirirler. İftar sofraları sevdikleriyle paylaşıldıkça bereketlenir, sahurlar ise sessiz bir huzurun habercisi olur. Ramazan, sadece aç kalmak değil; gönülleri doyurmak, iyi niyetle dolmak ve içsel bir yenilenme süreci yaşamaktır.

Ramazan ayının ruhu, geceleri sokaklarda yankılanan davul seslerinde, fırın önlerinde oluşan sıcacık pide kuyruklarında ve iftar sofralarını süsleyen mis kokulu Osmanlı şerbetlerinde gizlidir. Davulcunun manileriyle uyanmak, sıcacık bir pideyi bölüşmek ve serin bir şerbetle orucu açmak; geçmişle bugün arasında kurulmuş tatlı bir köprüdür.

RAMADAN MONTH
Ramadan is one of the times when patience, sharing, and spiritual peace are felt most deeply. During this holy month, Muslims fast to purify both their bodies and souls; they deepen their sense of charity, forgiveness, and gratitude. Iftar tables become more blessed when shared with loved ones, and suhoor brings the calm promise of a peaceful dawn. Ramadan is not just about staying hungry; it is about nourishing the heart, filling oneself with good intentions, and experiencing a journey of inner renewal.

The spirit of Ramadan is hidden in the echoing sound of drums through the streets at night, in the warm queues in front of bakeries for freshly baked pide, and in the fragrant Ottoman sherbets adorning iftar tables. Waking up to the drummer’s rhymes, sharing a hot piece of pide, and breaking the fast with a cool sherbet — these are sweet bridges built between the past and the present.

Ramazan Bayramı, bir ay boyunca tutulan oruçların ardından gelen sevinç, huzur ve paylaşma zamanıdır. Bayram sabahı kılınan namaz, yapılan dualar ve büyüklerin ellerinin öpülmesiyle başlayan bu özel gün, gönülleri birleştirir. Aile büyükleri ziyaret edilir, küslükler son bulur, çocuklara harçlıklar ve şekerler verilir, bayram tatlısı ve türk kahvesi ikram edilir. Bayram sofraları sevdiklerimizle dolar, gülüşler evleri sarar. Ramazan Bayramı; affetmenin, kucaklaşmanın ve birlikte olmanın bayramıdır. Biz de öğrencilerimle sınıfımızda bayramlaştık.

Eid al-Fitr is a time of joy, peace, and sharing that follows a month of fasting. This special day begins with the Eid prayer, heartfelt supplications, and the tradition of kissing the hands of elders, bringing hearts closer together. Families visit their elders, old disagreements are resolved, and children receive holiday money and sweets. Traditional desserts and Turkish coffee are offered to guests. Eid tables are filled with loved ones, and laughter fills the homes. Eid al-Fitr is a celebration of forgiveness, warm embraces, and togetherness. We also celebrated Eid together with my students in our classroom.

Ramazan ayı, sabrın, paylaşmanın ve manevi huzurun en yoğun yaşandığı zamanlardan biridir. Müslümanlar bu kutsal ayda oruç tutarak hem bedenlerini hem de ruhlarını arındırır; yardımlaşma, affetme ve şükretme duygularını derinleştirirler. İftar sofraları sevdikleriyle paylaşıldıkça bereketlenir, sahurlar ise sessiz bir huzurun habercisi olur. Ramazan, sadece aç kalmak değil; gönülleri doyurmak, iyi niyetle dolmak ve içsel bir yenilenme süreci yaşamaktır. Ramazan ayının ruhu, geceleri sokaklarda yankılanan davul seslerinde, fırın önlerinde oluşan sıcacık pide kuyruklarında ve iftar sofralarını süsleyen mis kokulu Osmanlı şerbetlerinde gizlidir. Davulcunun manileriyle uyanmak, sıcacık bir pideyi bölüşmek ve serin bir şerbetle orucu açmak; geçmişle bugün arasında kurulmuş tatlı bir köprüdür.

RAMADAN MONTH
Ramadan is one of the times when patience, sharing, and spiritual peace are felt most deeply. During this holy month, Muslims fast to purify both their bodies and souls; they deepen their sense of charity, forgiveness, and gratitude. Iftar tables become more blessed when shared with loved ones, and suhoor brings the calm promise of a peaceful dawn. Ramadan is not just about staying hungry; it is about nourishing the heart, filling oneself with good intentions, and experiencing a journey of inner renewal.

The spirit of Ramadan is hidden in the echoing sound of drums through the streets at night, in the warm queues in front of bakeries for freshly baked pide, and in the fragrant Ottoman sherbets adorning iftar tables. Waking up to the drummer’s rhymes, sharing a hot piece of pide, and breaking the fast with a cool sherbet — these are sweet bridges built between the past and the present.

RAMADAN MONTH Ramadan is one of the times when patience, sharing, and spiritual peace are felt most deeply. During this holy month, Muslims fast to purify both their bodies and souls; they deepen their sense of charity, forgiveness, and gratitude. Iftar tables become more blessed when shared with loved ones, and suhoor brings the calm promise of a peaceful dawn. Ramadan is not just about staying hungry; it is about nourishing the heart, filling oneself with good intentions, and experiencing a journey of inner renewal.

The spirit of Ramadan is hidden in the echoing sound of drums through the streets at night, in the warm queues in front of bakeries for freshly baked pide, and in the fragrant Ottoman sherbets adorning iftar tables. Waking up to the drummer’s rhymes, sharing a hot piece of pide, and breaking the fast with a cool sherbet — these are sweet bridges built between the past and the present.

23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı ülkemizde her yıl coşkuyla kutlanmaktadır. Bu bayram ülkemizin kurucusu Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk tarafından tüm dünya çocuklarına armağan edilmiştir. Okulumuzda büyük bir çocuk şenliği düzenleyerek bayramımızı kutladık.