Turkey is a region of great diversification, and this is reflected in its many beliefs for wedding https://www.wgea.gov.au/women-in-leadership. In big cities people have embraced many Eastern bridal traditions but in remote areas and smaller towns some unique customs still exist.
One of the most crucial turkish marriage traditions is that of asking for the couple’s hand in marriage, known as “kiz isteme”. In this festival, the groom– accompanied by his kids and older family with items– travels to the princess’s relatives house on a set date and asks for her hand in marriage. The bride’s father may accept the proposal or obtain time to think it over, but if he agrees, jewels are exchanged and the pair will married.
After the ring exchange the bride is adorned with strings of sparkly tinsel that are traditionally made from silver and are known as “bride’s tinsel”. Single friends and relatives pull on the tinsel, and according to superstitions, whoever has their name pulled first will get married next!
On the day of the wedding a special dish called keskek is prepared for the happy couple. This is a rich and demanding meal that’s commonly served at Turkish weddings and holidays, and the couple are usually fed by all guests present.
On the bride’s side turkish brides, a henna night is held where women decorate the hands and feet of the future bride with henna. Henna can also be used to draw faces, names and hearts on the couple’s shoulders and arms.