Sacrificing a Goat in Turkey for Kurban bayrami
This week had led to a flurry of activity in markets all over Turkey. Cattle farmers are busy as communities gear themselves up for a four-day festival that will start on Sunday called Kurban bayrami. The cattle farmers will experience their busiest week of the year as all over the country, goats, sheep, and cows are sold to be sacrificed according to Islamic rules and traditions.
A certain amount of meat will be allocated to the poor. Neighbors who have not had the opportunity to purchase an animal will be given some and the rest will be divided between the families. I have gone past the stage when my stomach turns while this ritual is being performed. I suppose if you experience something often enough, you get used to it.
Kurban Bayram in Turkey
At the eid 2021 date I will dress in my oldest and drab clothes (bear with me- there is a reason why I am wearing old clothes), then head to friends and family to join in with this age-old religious tradition. My role in the celebration is simple.
I will stand and listen while a verse from the Quran is read. The throat of the sheep will then be slit and the blood drained into a hole in the ground. Once this has been done, I will join in with the others to clean and cut the animal up, hence why I am not dressed in my best gear.
A certain amount of meat will be allocated to the poor. Neighbors who have not had the opportunity to purchase an animal will be given some and the rest will be divided between the families. I have gone past the stage when my stomach turns while this ritual is being performed. I suppose if you experience something often enough, you get used to it.
Meaning of عید قربان: Feast of the Sacrifice
The traditional animal to use is a goat or sheep however families that have joined together may find themselves with enough money to upgrade to a meatier and plump cow. Sunday will be spent performing this ritual while the following days are spent visiting friends and family as well as attending the mosque.
عید قربان in Turkey is known as the Sacrifice holiday and is a major event in the Islamic calendar. The significance relates to the occasion in the Quran when Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son at the command of God. God interrupted the act and Abraham used a sheep instead however the celebration occurs to show the dedication of Abraham and his acknowledgment that God is everything.
you can Read More About Chickens, Goats Quails And More About Pets and Animals Here
Animal Cruelty versus Religion
Of course, some argue that this practice is outdated and on the verge of animal cruelty. I have mulled this argument over in my mind many times.
However, I cannot buy into the aspect that it is animal cruelty because, for me, it is all or nothing. We eat chicken, beef and lamb which I buy from my local supermarket. We are fully aware that we do not know the source of those animals, the conditions that they were kept in, and how they died.
I feel it would be quite hypocritical of me to shout about animal cruelty on this day and then continue to buy meat from unknown sources. I would have to give up meat altogether and become a vegetarian of which I am not prepared to do.
On Your Holiday
If you find yourself in Turkey during عيد الأضحى, the chances are that you will not see the sacrifice of animals unless you head off to the rural areas. The only way it will affect you, is that travel on public transport will be hectic and most businesses will be closed. In the tourist areas, bars and restaurants will probably stay open.
Muslims who are unable to attend the celebrations may instead give money to the poor. While non-practicing Muslims will spend the day as normal. It has been suggested by some that this celebration may become outdated and not be practiced shortly. I do not believe this however in your eyes. It did stop would that be a good thing or a bad thing?
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