14 February is one of the more iconic dates on the European calendar. Valentine’s day is a staple in our culture, with couples having a formal excuse to celebrate their unique bond. Restaurants, cinemas and producers of kitsch heart-shaped trinkets count the profits while love blooms. We all know it too well. But does Turkey know it too? Is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Turkey?
Valentine’s Day in a Muslim country
In European culture, Valentine’s Day is the commemoration of the Christian saint, Valentine. He is the patron saint of people suffering from epilepsy, mental illness and those in love (suppose there’s some connection between the last two). So it’s all the more interesting to see that this holiday is indeed celebrated in Turkey as well! Though Valentine’s Day goes by the name “Sevgililer Günü” there.
How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Turkey?
Truth be told, Turkish Valentine’s Day does not differ from ours all that much. Turkish lovebirds celebrate their love in much the same way as we do – buying each other gifts, spending quality time, going to restaurants or the cinema on celebratory dates or just lounging on the couch together but celebratorily. Many Turks choose the 14th of February as a day on which they’ll propose to their loved one. There are also many couples in Turkey who specifically plan their wedding on Valentine’s Day.
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