Colors of Ankara - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

One can endlessly talk about the traditions and culture of the local people. Sacred family bonds are the most important thing for each local resident. Children respect their parents and obey their will, younger brothers and sisters always listen to elders, and a wife always supports her husband in all actions. There is also a clear hierarchy in family relations. Younger family members should respect the elders, who, in their turn, surround them with care and affection. Despite the fact that many natives may seem too slow, they are very hardworking. Women can work hard with the yarn from early in the morning until sunset. Amazing Turkish carpets created by the hands of skilled craftsmen never cease to amaze travelers who simply stop in admiration. It is believed that the tradition of making the famous carpets has been started by the nomadic tribes, who settled in the territory of the modern city many centuries ago.

The locals have numerous interesting signs and superstitions, some of which coincide with the Slavic signs. For example, if a person’s left hand is itching, this may be a sign of large material profit. When a person's ears start to burn, this is the first sign that someone is discussing him/her. There is also an interesting ritual connected with funeral. Relatives of the deceased person should treat all the people present with candies. It is believed that after this the deceased will be remembered only with good words.

The locals believe in the power of the evil eye, so virtually every of them wears special charms and amulets. Nazar is considered the most popular amulet. This is a small eye, which is attached to clothing. The popular talisman can be seen at the entrance to stores, on the windshield of motorists, or at the front desk at a hotel. You can buy Nazar (or eye of Fatima) in any souvenir shop. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Ankara is famous for an interesting national holiday, which always attracts a large number of visitors either from other parts of the country or from the abroad. It is a gift festival named Souvenir Fair Ankara, which is held annually in December. For several days the city is transformed into a huge fair. Its streets are literally drowning in colorful carpets, national costumes and all kinds of crafts. Colorful carpets remain among the most popular goods bought by the visitors of the fair. It is worth noting that during a year in Ankara keep working many interesting shops and souvenir outlets, they are also notable by their national color.

Every spring in Ankara passes the International Music Festival where gather famous symphony orchestras and performers. The event starts in early April and lasts almost a month. The festival is popular with local people, tourists and amazes the number of participants-virtuosos. As far as the International Music Festival in Ankara has a lot of fans, so it's better to book a ticket for concerts in advance. Organizers do their best to please the preferences of people of all ages and invent something interesting to surprise visitors. During the festival, you will be able to enjoy a successful combination of high art and show programs. For example, in 2012 they installed the ice skating rink where the famous Russian and international sportsmen performed under the music of the symphonic orchestra.

In May you will have a chance to witness a brave festival of movies shot exclusively by women. The film festival under a very interesting name - Flying Broom lasts for seven days in the capital of Turkey. The interesting fact that this event got accustomed here and within years obtained an international level. During the festival, you can watch movies of different genres - art, short, documentary and animated films. The main goal of this event is to use the resources of movie art in order to focus public attention on sexual discrimination and the problems of women and children. In addition to film screenings, there are interesting exhibitions highlighting the right of women to equal rights, as well as you can attend informative discussions.

Turkish people are known for their great dancing talents, so there is no surprise that every year here passes the Carnival of Tango. From late November until early December you, as well as hundreds of local residents will be able to enjoy the best performances of this passionate dance. The carnival has already obtained an international level and invites the best tango dancers from all over the world, like Javier Rodriguez, Virginia Pandolfi Esteban Morena, Claudia Codega Gaston Torelli. The main aim of the Tango Carnival is to unite people from different cities, countries and even cultures in one bright and fascinating event who speak one common and understandable language - the language of dance. The program of the festival includes lessons from leading masters. All these passes under the accompaniment of the "TANGO" orchestra. On the last day of the carnival, the organizers prepare something unusual - all guests and participants wait for the masquerade "Big Bada Boom Party", the entrance to which is absolutely free of charge.