Turkish charity groups collected aid and donations to help the less fortunate both in Turkey and across the globe during the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha (the Feast of the Sacrifice), a time which millions observe as a time of year for promoting love and peace. It is that time of year again in Turkey, and aid organizations such as the Turkish Religious Foundation, Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There?), the Humanitarian Aid Foundation (İHH) and the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) are preparing to distribute food, clothing, money and other forms of assistance to the poor in most of the country’s 81 provinces and in more than 120 nations around the world during this year’s Eid al-Adha. In an interview with Sunday’s Zaman, Dr. Reşit Haylamaz, editor-in-chief of the Kaynak Publishing Group, stated that Eid festivals intend to warm hearts and bring people together.

“Helping a family in the southeastern region of Turkey or a family in Africa, with a donation of 3 to 5 kilograms of meat, would not mean much from a material point of view. The recipients will be so happy, though, when they see that there are some people out there who care about the difficult conditions they are in and sharing their sorrow,” said Haylamaz.

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit the predominantly Kurdish province of Van, an area usually in the news for terrorist attacks, on Oct. 23, has killed more than 450, ruined lives and destroyed buildings, but there is one thing it has strengthened: the solidarity between Turkey's eastern and western provinces, as manifested by the myriad aid packages sent to Van from other parts of the country. The earthquake shook the city just two weeks before the Eid al-Adha and left many people homeless days before the festival.

Busloads of blankets, new winter clothes and boots for children, heaters, diapers for toddlers and many other supplies were dispatched to Van from all across the country to help the earthquake victims in their hour of need, most of whom have to live in tents in freezing temperatures. Roughly 150 trucks loaded with aid have been sent from all parts of Turkey to the eastern province every day since the quake. People donating to the cause said that they wanted to share the sorrow of the earthquake-stricken people of Van and to send them gifts for the Eid.

As part of a campaign organized by the Turkish Toy Sellers Association (OYDER) last week, member toy companies collected a total of 15,000 toys to send to children who were victims of the quake in Van. OYDER members intend to help children forget about the earthquake for a bit by giving them new toys.

Eid al-Adha is Arabic for “Feast of the Sacrifice” (in Turkish, “Kurban Bayramı”) and is one of two holidays in the Islamic calendar, starting on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah each year. For many the feast's first day will begin at a mosque for the special Eid prayer that takes place after sunrise. The prayer is said together as a congregation, and the imam delivers a special sermon on the occasion of the holiday, usually emphasizing the values of thankfulness, togetherness and charity that Eid represents.

During Eid al-Adha animals are slaughtered as a reminder of the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to God as an act of obedience and submission. A portion of the meat is then distributed to the poor along with other charitable donations, as per Islamic tradition.

During the four days of the Eid al-Adha holiday people visit family and friends as well as receive their own guests, resulting in a flurry of people in and out of homes throughout the country. Beginning with the greeting “Bayramın mübarek olsun” (May your Eid be blessed), a positive atmosphere is created across the country with solidarity between families, friends, neighbors and society at large, and needs of the poor and less fortunate being remembered at this joyful time of giving and sharing. It is traditional for the young, especially children, to kiss the right hand of the elderly and press it to their forehead in a sign of respect. When children kiss the hand of an elder, their elder will generally give them a small amount of money. People also traditionally wear their best outfits on Eid. Called “bayramlık” in Turkey, these are often purchased especially for the occasion. Those receiving guests usually offer them cologne and traditional desserts like baklava and Turkish delight as well as other foods. Usually a dish will include meat from the animal the family has sacrificed if they were able to afford it.

Eid is also an occasion of remembrance for loved ones who are no longer with us. In addition to visiting family and friends Turks also set aside time to visit cemeteries to pay their respects and pray at the graves of loved ones. Relatives of many fallen Turkish soldiers prefer to visit cemeteries on the eve of Eid al-Adha to tend to the graves of their loved ones and pray for their souls. The doors of many orphanages and shelters are alsoopened to welcome visits from the public.

Eid al-Adha also marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca, a requirement for all adult Muslims who have the means at least once in their lifetime. It is after Eid that Turkish pilgrims begin to trickle back into Turkey from Saudi Arabia, bringing extra joy to their families at the reunion.

During the Eid holiday television and radio stations broadcast a variety of special programs including movie specials, musical shows and celebratory addresses from stars and politicians.

However, the increased holiday traffic during the holiday carries the risk of traffic accidents and road fatalities. Officials have again warned drivers to be extra careful when driving during the Eid vacation, saying roads and highways will be more crowded than usual. There is often a significant increase in casualties during these vacations and officials have requested that those traveling to pay greater attention to road conditions and fully comply with traffic regulations. Drivers are particularly being cautioned to avoid speeding and drinking and driving.

Signs and placards have been hung at intersections and across buildings throughout cities in Turkey by various political parties and municipalities wishing citizens a happy Eid holiday.

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