Turkey is a country that places a high value on symbolic things and their meanings. Turkish makes significant efforts to respect both the meaning and the symbolism of the items in its culture.
National Symbols of Turkey
Let’s do some research on the various national symbols of Turkey and the meanings associated with them. By the way, if you wanted to travel to Turkey for your summer vacation, you can apply online for an eVisa for Turkey.
National Flag of Turkey
On a background of red, the Turkish flag features a crescent moon and a star, both of which are white. The design originally appeared on the flag of the Ottoman Empire.
Although there are tales that tell of the founder of the Ottoman Empire having a dream in which he saw a star and a crescent moon, the first iteration of the Turkish flag wasn’t used until the 18th century.
There are varying interpretations regarding what the star and the moon represent. Some people believe that the star symbolizes independence, while others believe that it depicts the rich history of the Turks.
There is no denying one fact. The flag, which in Turkish is sometimes referred to as the red banner, carries a great deal of significance for Turks and is held in high esteem as an important unifying factor throughout the nation.
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National Animal of Turkey
The grey wolf is revered as Turkey’s national animal. A myth explains the reasoning behind this behavior. The Turkish people were said to have left Asia in search of a new home, and the tale known as Ergenekon recounts how a grey wolf brought them to Anatolia.
The grey wolf was given a significant role in Turkish folklore and culture as a result of this fable.
The environment would be severely off-kilter without the presence of grey wolves. They become a significant limiting factor for their prey as a result of their superior hunting ability.
Farmers in Turkey have a negative perception of turkeys, despite the fact that they are the country’s national animal. As a result of terrified farmers and ranchers killing them to extinction in Turkey, the population of grey wolves is currently on the decline.
These days, grey wolves are being reintroduced to particular locations so that they can help repopulate certain areas. It is believed that there are between 4,000 and 5,000 grey wolves still living in Turkey.
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National Flower of Turkey
Tulips are considered to be the national flower of Turkey. You may get the impression that Holland is more of natural habitat for tulips, however, Turkey and Central Asia are actually where this flower originated.
In the 16th century, tulips were first cultivated from their wild ancestors and introduced into gardens and private residences. In the same century, Holland was the country that brought the first tulip back to Europe.
There is a period of time known as the Tulip Era in the history of the Ottoman Empire. This is an additional fascinating fact. The Tulip Era was renowned for its exquisite gardens and extravagant way of life.
During this time period, it was important to take time to enjoy oneself and life in general. During this time period, tulips were considered to be more than just a type of flower; rather, they were a symbol of refined style.
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National Drink of Turkey
The aniseed-flavored whiskey known as rak is considered to be the national beverage of Turkey. Raka is produced by distilling grapes twice. In Turkey, there is a proper way to consume rak. The drink known as meze is traditionally served alongside water and rak.
You have the option of drinking your raki neat or mixing it with water, depending on your preference. Because it is such a potent beverage, it is customary to sip it very slowly while one is eating.
Whenever there is a reason to celebrate and a big number of people are gathered around the dinner table, the evenings are apt to become rowdy, with everyone getting up to sing and dance.
Ayran is another traditional drink consumed throughout Turkey. A mixture of yogurt, water, and a little bit of salt is blended together to make this beverage.
Turks have a soft spot for it, despite the fact that it is, to say the least, an acquired taste. The first time you try it, you might realize that it’s a little strange.
National Sport of Turkey
Oil wrestling is Turkey’s national sport. The reason for this game’s name is that before it begins, all of the competitors are doused in olive oil and left to dry.
Because of the oil, the game shifts away from a focus on power and towards one that is more concerned with technique and style because the circumstances are so slippery.
The objective of the game is to throw your opponents to the ground and turn them around such that their belly buttons are facing the ceiling. Wrestlers wear specialized bottoms known as kspet, which weigh approximately 13 kg each.
The oil wrestling competitions that are part of the Krkpnar Festival take place in the same city called Edirne year after year. The event has been held in the same location continuously since 1346, making it a particularly well-established custom.
The winner of the competition at the end of the year is awarded prizes totaling approximately one hundred thousand dollars. It’s not so horrible, is it?
My name is Rashid Nawaz. I have completed my degree in Mass Communication from South Asia University, Lahore, Pakistan. I have started my career as a News reporter and editor from the local Newspaper and now I am writing for different News websites, The Daily News Times is one of those great sites.
