Hıdrellez

Hıdrellez is a seasonal festival observed across a broad geographical area, primarily in Anatolia and the Balkans, marking the arrival of spring, the revival of nature, and the beginning of summer. It is celebrated on 6 May according to the Gregorian calendar; this date corresponds to 23 April in the Julian calendar.^【1】 In the folk calendar the year is divided into two parts: the period from 6 May to 8 November is known as Hızır days and represents summer, while the period from 8 November to 6 May is known as Kasım days and represents winter. Therefore, the night between 5 May and 6 May is regarded as the end of winter and the arrival of summer.

Historical Background

The historical background of Hıdrellez is not the product of a single culture but rather a continuous cultural tradition formed by the accumulation of thousands of years of diverse belief layers. Consequently, Hıdrellez spans a historical geography extending from ancient Mesopotamia through the steppes of Central Asia to Anatolian societies of antiquity and the Balkans.

Mezopotamian and Near Eastern Fertility Rituals

The arrival of spring, the renewal of nature, and the rebirth of plants were regarded as sacred periods beginning in Mesopotamia and extending throughout the Eastern Mediterranean world. Ancient civilizations interpreted the cycle of winter’s death and spring’s rebirth as a divine process. This concept became ritualized particularly through deities representing the annual rebirth of vegetation. In Mesopotamia during the spring months, ceremonies were performed for deities believed to impart life to nature.^【2】 This belief endured for millennia and became embedded in the foundational elements of later folk festivals. Indeed, elements of Hıdrellez such as entering water, gathering in green spaces, and seeking healing from fresh plants align with these ancient roots.

Ancient Anatolian Ceremonies

Anatolia has historically served as a center for special rites associated with the arrival of spring. It is known that ancient communities regarded the beginning of summer as sacred and offered sacrifices to protective spirits or deities of plants. These rituals were generally “renewal” ceremonies accompanying nature’s awakening. The rites of this period bear strong resemblance to many practices still observed today in Hıdrellez, including gathering in open areas, regarding water and green spaces as sacred, consuming the first spring produce, seeking herbal remedies for illness, and engaging in communal entertainment and spring welcoming ceremonies.

Seasonal Rituals of Iran and Central Asia

In ancient Iran, spring was associated with sacred entities linked to water and vegetation, such as the deities Haurvatât and Ameretât;^【3】 in the steppes of Central Asia, spring marked one of the key turning points of the year for Turkic communities. In nomadic life, the end of winter, the reproduction of livestock, the renewal of pastures, and the movement of herds outdoors were of vital importance. Thus, the April–May period was a time of major celebrations. Water, fire, grass, flowers, and youth were central themes in these festivities. Collective celebrations for the arrival of spring, purification rituals, jumping over fire, and ceremonies welcoming nature’s revival formed a shared structure among many Turkic groups.

These ritual patterns merged with local cultures after the Turkic migration into Anatolia, giving rise to one of the characteristic forms of Hıdrellez. The Turkic folk calendar’s division of the year into two halves also reflects the continuation of Central Asian seasonal calendar logic in Anatolia, now reinterpreted through Islamic terminology. The recognition of 6 May as the beginning of summer is the result of this continuity.

Hıdrellez Fire (Anadolu Agency)

Incorporation of Hızır and İlyas Cults and the Islamization of the Ritual

After the adoption of Islam, many of the ancient spring rites were integrated into popular memory through association with new religious figures. In this context, the motifs of Hızır and İlyas played a decisive role. The perception of Hızır as a guide who aids those in distress and brings abundance and prosperity, and the recognition of İlyas as the protector of water and life, provided an Islamic framework for interpreting the themes of water, greenery, and abundance in spring rituals. Over time, these two names merged in popular speech to form the term “Hıdrellez,” and the practices of the ancient spring festivals were reinterpreted as acts through which Hızır’s touch would bring prosperity.^【4】

Interaction with Eastern Christianity

Due to the multi-religious structure of the Balkans and Anatolia, Hıdrellez entered into interaction with Christian communities’ spring celebrations. In the Eastern Christian tradition, the feast day of Saint George was also regarded as the beginning of spring. The celebration of this day around 6 May eventually led to the blending of the two traditions at the level of popular culture.^【5】 As a result, in the Balkans and certain regions of Anatolia, 6 May is celebrated both by Muslims as the day of Hızır and İlyas and by Christians as the day of Saint George.

Hıdrellez in the Ottoman Period

During the Ottoman period, 6 May continued to be recognized in the folk calendar as the beginning of summer. Even official affairs divided the year into Hızır days and Kasım days. In this era, Hıdrellez celebrations became festive gatherings that brought together large segments of the population; picnics held in recreational areas formed public spaces that strengthened social ties. Practices believed to bring prosperity through Hızır’s intervention—such as offerings, spring festivities, and rituals to attract fortune—were widespread throughout the Ottoman territories.^【6】

Hıdrellez Today

Today, Hıdrellez is a cultural phenomenon that incorporates elements from Mesopotamian spring rites, ancient Anatolian fertility rituals, Iranian and Central Asian seasonal ceremonies, the Turkic folk calendar’s seasonal divisions, the Islamic Hızır–İlyas cult, and the Eastern Christian tradition of Saint George. Consequently, it constitutes a shared ritual space across Anatolia, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

Origin of the Name and Beliefs

The term “Hıdrellez” derives from the fusion of the names “Hızır” and “İlyas” in popular usage. According to belief, Hızır and İlyas are two sacred beings who assist those in need, one on land and the other over water, and who bring abundance and prosperity.^【7】 It is believed that they meet only once a year, on 6 May, and that this meeting scatters prosperity across the earth.

Geographical Spread and Local Names

Hıdrellez is celebrated not only in Türkiye but also in the Balkans, Crimea, Iraq, Syria, Azerbaijan, and various regions of the Middle East. It is known by different local names:

• In Türkiye: Hıdırellez, Hızır–İlyas, Eğrice, Ederlezi, Kakava
• In North Macedonia: Ederlez, Edirlez
• In Kosovo: Hıdırles, Hedirles, Hadırles
• In Crimea and Dobruja: Hıdırlez

Preparations and Celebration Sites

Preparations for Hıdrellez generally begin several days in advance. Due to the belief that Hızır will not enter a house that is not clean, homes are thoroughly cleaned, food stores are organized, and new clothing is prepared. The primary sites for celebrations are green areas, riversides, picnic grounds, and tombs. In many settlements across Anatolia, special recreational areas known as “Hıdırlık” are designated specifically for these festivities. Here, communal meals, entertainment, musical celebrations, and various wish rituals are performed.

Hıdrellez Celebrations (Anadolu Agency)

Practices and Rituals

Although less common in large cities, Hıdrellez is still celebrated with ceremonies and preparations in towns and villages. All rituals and traditions associated with Hıdrellez can generally be grouped under four main categories:

Rituals for Healing and Health

It is believed that Hızır’s blessing brings health.

• It is thought that boiling wildflowers and drinking the water provides healing.
• It is believed that on the night of Hıdrellez, “light” descends upon the waters, making immersion in water protective against illness.
• In some regions, fasting and giving charity on the day of Hıdrellez are practiced.

Rituals for Prosperity and Good Fortune

It is accepted that Hızır brings abundance and prosperity to places he touches.

• The openings of food containers, granaries, and money pouches are left open.
• Small models of desired objects—such as a house, car, or garden—are prepared and left as offerings.

Practices Related to Property and Livelihood

In some regions, purses, chests, or wallets are left open, based on the belief that Hızır will leave prosperity in the home. Among producer communities, leading livestock out to pasture on the morning of Hıdrellez is regarded as a tradition that brings prosperity.

Rituals for Attracting Fate and Luck

Young women’s rituals to attract fate are among the most widespread practices of Hıdrellez. These rituals are known by various regional names: in Istanbul, baht açma; in Balıkesir, dağara yüzük atma; in Edirne, niyet çıkarma; in Erzurum, mani çekme; and among Yörük and Turkmen communities, mantıfar.^【8】 In this ritual, young women place personal items into a clay pot and leave it beneath a rose tree. The next day, the pot is opened to the accompaniment of folk verses, and each object found inside is interpreted as an omen related to its owner.

Hıdrellez Practices (Anadolu Agency)

Reflections in Literature

The beliefs and customs of Hıdrellez have also been reflected in Turkish literature.

• Epic Poems and Folk Tales: The themes of Hızır and Hıdrellez appear in epic narratives centered on heroes such as Dede Korkut, Ebû Müslim, Battal Gazi, Dânişmend Gazi, and Sarı Saltuk.^【9】
• Divan Poetry: Classical Turkish poets writing about spring (bahâriyye) typically alluded to the days of Hıdrellez.^【10】 There is also a tradition that a person who spits into Hızır’s mouth will be gifted with the ability to recite beautiful poetry.
• Folk Literature: The mâniler sung during Hıdrellez festivities constitute a significant part of anonymous folk literature.
• Modern Literature: Modern Turkish poetry, such as Arif Nihat Asya’s “Hıdırellezde Kızlar,” draws inspiration from Hıdrellez.^【11】
• Travelogues: Evliya Çelebi’s Seyahatnâme is among the important works containing folkloric elements related to Hıdrellez.^【12】

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

The cultural significance of Hıdrellez has been internationally recognized. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed Hıdrellez on the “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” in 2017, following a joint nomination by Türkiye and North Macedonia.^【13】