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Although Turkey is a secular country, its population is 99% Muslim. As a result, the government respects the overwhelming Muslim majority and the Sabbath of Friday, while running the country in a secular manner with Sunday as the public holiday.
The Islamic faith is an important part of life in Turkey, with the values of the Five Pillars of Islam active in modern life. The major religious festival is Ramadan, and some religious Turkish Muslims will take part in the traditional daylight fasting, although most will simply give up smoking or drinking. Often Muslims will arrange huge dinners at restaurants to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
One of the less attractive parts of Turkish culture is Kurban Bayram. It celebrates the common bible story of Moses sacrificing a ram for his son Isaac. Every year farmers bring in trucks full of animals. These are then sold to any family who can afford one. One the day of Kurban Bayram all the animals are slaughtered in the slaughterhause and in people’s back yards. The carcass is then distributed among family members. Like our Christmas holiday, this is a public holiday when the family comes together, and just like with our Christmas holiday hundreds are killed in car accidents on the road.
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