Turkey in Turkey: A Mysterious Culinary Tale and Its New Year's Eve Traditions

Turkeys are often associated with a specific culinary destination, but visiting the country of Turkey itself can lead to an interesting twist on this tradition. In this article, I will explore the unique culinary scene, particularly the confusion around turkeys and ham, and delve into the intriguing New Year’s Eve traditions of Turkey.

I, personally, had the opportunity to showcase my bird-cooking prowess in Turkey during a visit, which was truly a memorable experience. However, the story of the turkey in Turkey is often more complex than it seems.

Ham Instead of Turkey?

During my time in Turkey, I indulged in a traditional dish that I was expecting to be turkey but found it was actually ham. This was a common experience among visitors, as pork is expensive and difficult to find. However, there is a unique variant of turkey ham that is widely available and acceptable for consumption.

But the most intriguing part is the name of this turkey ham: it’s called Hindi, which might surprise you as it sounds closer to the word for India ('India' in Turkish is 'Hindistan'). This conundrum led me to dive deeper into the origins of turkeys and their names in various languages.

The Linguistic Mysteries of Turkey

Intrigued by the naming conundrum, I explored how turkeys got their names in different languages. It turns out that turkeys have an interesting etymological history. Some fascinating findings:

In French, turkeys are referred to as "dinde," which literally translates to 'from India.' In Polish, turkeys are known as "indyk," another direct reference to India.

This leads to the conclusion that turkeys always seem to come from somewhere further to the southeast, adding a layer of intrigue to their cultural and culinary narrative.

New Year’s Eve Traditions in Turkey

Another fascinating aspect of Turkey’s culture is its New Year’s Eve traditions. Contrary to popular Western beliefs, New Year’s Eve in Turkey is as significant as any other occasion, despite the erosion of traditions under the current government.

Secular households in Turkey may set and decorate a Christmas tree on New Year’s Eve (December 31st) instead of Christmas Day (December 25th). This tradition is a blend of Western and Muslim influences. However, it’s important to note that this practice is gradually diminishing due to societal changes and political pressures.

In my personal experience, I often hosted New Year’s Eve dinners, and my turkeys were not considered particularly impressive by US standards. Nonetheless, these dinners were a cherished part of the holiday season, blending cultural traditions and personal skills.

Creating a Market: The Business Story Behind Holiday Traditions

My theory is that the holiday traditions we associate with turkeys and Christmas trees in the US were once a blend of two distinctly different holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas. An enterprising businessman is suspected to have combined these elements to create a market opportunity, with New Year’s Eve as a strategic date due to its universal acceptance.

The de facto acceptance of New Year’s Eve as a holiday in Turkey further solidifies this theory, as January 1st is already a national holiday, making it an ideal choice for cultural amalgamation.

Conclusion

Turkey’s culinary and cultural landscape is rich with unexpected twists and turns. From the surprising names of traditional dishes to the evolving New Year’s Eve traditions, every bite and celebration in Turkey adds a layer of richness to the cultural tapestry.

My personal experience and the even more intriguing details about the history of turkeys highlight the importance of exploring different cultural practices to gain a deeper understanding of the world we live in.