The ancient festival of Hıdırellez marks the arrival of spring in the Middle East
As the sun sets, families gather across Turkey and the Middle East to light bonfires and make wishes, celebrating a mystical union that symbolizes the awakening of the natural world.
Hıdırellez is a vibrant spring festival celebrated annually on May 6th, marking the day when the prophets Al-Khidr and Elijah are believed to have met on Earth. This ancient tradition blends pre-Islamic customs with religious lore to welcome the season of abundance. People celebrate by jumping over fires to cleanse themselves of bad luck and writing their deepest wishes on paper to be buried under rose trees.
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