Modern Traditions of New Year’s Eve in Turkey
Over the past few decades in Turkey, New Year’s Eve has transformed into a significant holiday, marked by vibrant decorations adorning homes, shopping centers, and town squares in the weeks leading up to the event.
The New Year's Eve Celebration
While not associated with Christmas, New Year’s Eve in Turkey symbolizes bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one.
Turkish New Year’s Eve Feast
At a Turkish New Year’s Eve feast, it is customary to kick off the meal with a bowl of soup, either hot or cold, to warm up during the winter season.
Popular Pumpkin Soup
Although not a traditional dish, pumpkin soup has gained popularity in Turkey in recent years, offering a unique and flavorful start to the festive meal.
Cold Starters and Meze Varieties
Following the soup, a round of cold starters, including various meze options like haydari, köpoğlu, acılı ezme, or şakşuka, are typically served to tantalize the taste buds.
Winter Vegetable Starters
Winter vegetables such as eggplant, celeriac, Brussel sprouts, and Jerusalem artichokes feature prominently in the Turkish New Year’s Eve feast, either as starters or incorporated into main dishes.
Gavurdağı Salad Tradition
Gavurdağı salad, featuring pomegranate seeds as a key ingredient, is a staple on Turkish New Year’s Eve tables, symbolizing abundance and prosperity for the coming year.
Warm Starters and Stuffed Pastries
Another essential part of the feast is the “ara sıcak,” which includes warm starters like phyllo-wrapped pastries such as sigara böreği, paçanga böreği, avcı böreği, or talaş böreği.
Diverse Dolma Varieties
Among the beloved dishes, dolma takes center stage, with various stuffed vegetable options like grape leaves, cabbage, bell pepper, tomato, and dried eggplant, offering a delightful culinary experience.
Roasted Turkey Delicacy
The star of the feast is the stuffed and roasted turkey, known as “hindi,” prepared with a flavorful combination of spiced rice, chestnuts, and a variety of seasonings that define its classic Turkish taste.
Unique Pumpkin Dessert
To conclude the feast, a winter tradition in Turkey is indulging in “kabak tatlısı,” a pumpkin dessert featuring slow-roasted pumpkin slices, sugar, ground walnuts, and a dollop of kaymak, a delectable clotted cream.
