New Year's Day, known as 'Yılbaşı' in Turkish, is widely celebrated in Turkey, as in many other parts of the world. It is a public holiday filled with fun, hope, and celebrations. Although it is not a traditional Turkish holiday, it has been widely accepted and celebrated since the last days of the Ottoman Empire. Turkish people view this day as a fresh start, often making resolutions for the year ahead.
The celebrations typically start on the eve of the New Year, with people gathering together to countdown to midnight. Music, dancing, and fireworks often fill the streets of cities and towns across the country, creating a festive atmosphere. A traditional Turkish New Year's lottery called 'Milli Piyango' is also held, with people eagerly watching the television broadcast to see if they have won the significant cash prize.
On New Year’s Day itself, families usually gather for meals where they share traditional foods, such as lentil soup, thought to bring good luck in the coming year. In addition, much like the Western tradition of Santa Claus, there is 'Noel Baba', a figure who brings gifts to kids on New Year's Eve. While New Year's Day in Turkey is a fusion of global and local traditions, it is a time for friends and family to come together and welcome the year ahead.