Islam follows the lunar calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar by 11 days. The result is that Muslim religious holidays fall on different dates each year. The dates for religious holidays listed here are accurate for 2006 and 2007.
January
Camel Wrestling Festival, Selȱuk. Did you know that as the temperature drops, a camel's aggression level rises? This event, scheduled erratically in January or February, provides a natural, if not inhumane, tension release as much for the poor beasts as for the testosterone-heavy locals nervously betting against the odds. The camels' mouths are bound to prevent biting, and 14 rope bearers stand by in case the scene starts to get out of hand. The last one to remain standing or in the ring wins. Sometime in January or February; dates vary.
March
Festival of Victory, ƙanakkale. This festival celebrates the Turks' successful defense of the Dardanelles against invading British warships during World War I. Performances by the traditional Ottoman army mehter band, with its imposing cacophony of cymbals, horns, and percussion, can only suggest the terror instilled by the approaching Ottoman army. March 18.
April
International Film Festival, Istanbul. This festival lasts 2 weeks, from the last Saturday of March to mid-April, offering movie buffs the rare opportunity to view Turkish movies with English subtitles. For schedules and tickets, contact travel agencies in Istanbul (tel. 0212/334-0700; www.istfest.org). Early April.
National Sovereignty and Children's Day, Istanbul and Ankara. This day celebrates the anniversary of the first Grand National Assembly, which met in Ankara in 1920 and was later decreed by Atatɒrk as Children's Day. The day is marked by parades and processions by schoolchildren. Banks and public offices are closed. April 23.
Anzac Day, ƙanakkale. A trip to the Gallipoli Peninsula has become a sort of pilgrimage for Australians and New Zealanders indoctrinated into the folklore of the failed Allied invasion of the Straits. Memorial ceremonies begin at dawn, and are staggered throughout the morning. Keep in mind that ƙanakkale is bursting at the seams with down-unders who, although solemn and respectful by day, let loose in the bars at night. April 24 and 25.
International Music Festival, Ankara. Home of the country's first conservatory, symphonic orchestra, opera, ballet, and theater, Ankara shows the world its importance as a major cultural center each year during this international event. There are orchestral performances, chamber music, and Turkish contemporary artists playing traditional and folk music from all over the world. For schedules and tickets, contact the Sevda-Cenap & Music Foundation, Tunali Hilmi Sok. 114-26 (tel. 0312/427-0855; www.ankarafestival.com). Late April to mid-May.
May
Festival of Culture and Art, Selȱuk and Ephesus. The best part about this local festival is the use of the Great Theatre at Ephesus as a venue for some of the concerts and theatrical presentations. First week of May.
Youth & Sports Day. Atatɒrk arrived in Samsun on this day in 1919, which signifies the beginning of the Independence War. Students nationwide participate in athletic games, gymnastic events, and parades. May 19.
Fatih Festivities, Istanbul. This festival commemorates the conquest of Byzantium in 1453 by Sultan Fatih Mehmet with local celebrations. May 29.
June
Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival. Live performances in the spectacular (now open-air) Theatre of Aspendos, the best-preserved theater of antiquity. For information, call tel. 0312/309-1409 or fax 0312/310-7248. June through July.
Istanbul International Music Festival. This world-class festival features big names in opera and ballet. Ironically, one of the festival's favorite operatic presentations is Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio, often staged in Topkapi Palace. For schedules and tickets, contact the Istanbul Foundation for Culture & the Arts (tel. 0212/293-3133; www.istfest.org). Mid-June to mid-July.
Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Tournaments, Edirne and in villages around the country. This revered national sport involves the fittest of Turkish youth and astonishing amounts of olive oil to prevent the opponent from getting a good grip. The event is usually accompanied by a colorful market and fair. Late June/early July.
July
Cabotage Day. This maritime festival commemorates the establishment of Turkey's sea borders. Major ports with marinas usually celebrate with yacht races and swimming competitions. For more information, contact the tourist information office of the town you will be visiting. July 1.
International Jazz Festival, Istanbul. Performances are held at various locations around the city. For schedules, dates, and tickets, contact the Istanbul Foundation for Culture & the Arts (tel. 0212/293-3133; www.istfest.org).
Folklore and Music Festival, Bursa. One of Turkey's best folk-dancing events of the year, this festival features dance groups from around the country, lasts 1 week, and includes concerts and crafts displays. For more information and specific dates, contact the Bursa Foundation of Culture, Art and Tourism (tel. 0312/427-1853) or the Bursa Tourism Information Office (tel. 0224/251-1834).
August
Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus. A special Mass conducted by the archbishop of Izmir celebrates the Assumption at the house of Mary. August 15.
Zafer Bayrami (Victory Day). This national holiday commemorates the decisive victory over the invading Greek armies during the War of Independence in 1922. Parades run through the main streets, and if you go soon, you may still brush elbows with some surviving vets. August 30.
International Mountain Biking Festival, Cappadocia. The Delta Bike Club celebrates the marriage of bicycles and monastic pathways with their annual mountain festival. The setting offers unbeatable peaks and valleys formed of ancient volcanic tuffa, and various levels of difficulty (tel. 0312/223-6027; www.deltabisiklet.com). End of August.
October
International Arts Biennale, Istanbul. The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts puts on this major visual arts event organized around a current political or philosophical theme. Artists are selected from over 45 countries, whose innovative exhibitions are displayed in venues like the Yerebatan Cistern, Dolmabahȱe Cultural Center, and even commuter ferries. Third week in October.
Cumhuriyet Bayrami (Republic Day). This event celebrates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Parades, public speeches, and fireworks displays are just a few of the organized events, but the Turks do their own celebrating as well. October 29.
Seker Bayrami (or Ramadan Barami) is a 3-day celebration punctuating the end of Ramadan. The evening revelry reaches its peak during the last 3 evenings. Presents and sweets are given to the children (seker means sugar in Turkish), and the Turkish Delight industry makes a killing. October 23 to October 25, 2006; October 12 to October 14, 2007.
November
Yachting Week, Marmaris. A star-studded international boating crowd gathers here to set sail for the Aegean or the Mediterranean. For information, call tel. 0252/455-3636, or fax 0252/455-3650. First week in November.
Anniversary of Atatɒrk's Death. Turkey comes to a grinding halt at exactly 9:05am, when the population pays its respects to the father and founder of the Republic. Rather than a moment of silence, the streets and waterways echo with the blare of car horns and foghorns. Atatɒrk-related activities are planned for the day, such as conferences, speeches, and exhibitions, in addition to a memorial concert at the Atatɒrk Cultural Center's opera house. November 10.
December
Festival of St. Nicholas, Demre. Santa Claus actually lived on the Mediterranean, as bishop of Myra in the 4th century. A festival and symposium are held at the Byzantine church that honors old St. Nick. Early December.
Mevlana Festival, Konya. Whirling dervishes believe that spiritual union with God is achieved through the sema, a trance-inducing dancing rite. The mystical ballet is shared with the public during this December festival, providing a window into one of Turkey's most precious cultural treasures. Book your tickets early, either through a travel agent or by contacting Konya's Tourism Information Office (tel. 332/351-1074). The week leading up to December 17.
Kurban Bayrami. In the Koranic version of an old favorite, it was Abraham's son Ismael, not Isaac, who was spared the knife. Kurban Bayrami celebrates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, with 4 days of feasting and a death sentence to an alarming number of sheep the likes of which one only sees around Thanksgiving. In fact, the 4-day festival of sacrifice is the culmination of the Hajj (holy pilgrimage), and much of the meat is given to the poor. December 31, 2006, to January 3, 2007; December 20 to December 23, 2007.