Hizir-Elijah cult and Hidrellez tradition in Anatolia

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Hidrellez is one of the spring festivals which is celebrated in Turkish world. Formerly this day was called Ruz-i Hizir,but today it is also called Hizir-Elijah day. The name of Hidirellez,was born out as a compound form of Hizir and Elijah among the people. They are regarded as two different people. In respect to religious sources,there are several references on ̄lyas. However,there is no slight mention about Hizir. The cult of Hidir-Elijah,which is a folk belief in Anatolia and the Spring festival Hidrellez and was consequently emitted,has pre-Islamic extension. Hidrellez refers to the junction day of the Hidir and Elijah. There are enough resources available about hidir belief but,there is no written source about Hidrellez. Hidrellez is synonymous with spring holidays departing from belief in Hidir and is further enriched with Christian influence in Anatolia. Christian community has Saint Nicholas and Saint Georges like Hidir beliefs Turkish folk. These folk beliefs common feature is both of them are mystical. Hidir has been called the highest authority in the Turkish Islamic Sufism. The most enthusiastic celebrations of Hidirellez is done in Hatay region. There are many maqams given named hidirlik in this region. Muslim and non-Muslim population lived together for centuries in Hatay. It is a city of tolerance.

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Anatolia , Hatay , Hidrellez , Hizir , Elijah , Saint georges , Saint nicholas

Turkish Culture and Haci Bektash Veli Research Quarterly

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Turkish Culture and Haci Bektash Veli Research Quarterly