Urfa Sıra Geceleri

By Yasin Tunç

A Deep Approach to Turkish Teaching and LearningWisconsin Center for Education Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Urfa Sıra Geceleri

“Sıra Geceleri” is one of the many social activities indigenous to Şanlıurfa. It is a popular winter pastime.

It has been gaining popularity in many parts of Turkey as well.

Sıra Geceleri is basically a social gathering which is traditionally carried out every other week in the neighborhood of a community in turn (sıra), although in popular culture it does not necessarily reflect this tradition.

Urfa Sıra Geceleri

The purpose behind Sıra Geceleri is solidarity and to create an environment of help.

Unlike in popular versions, in traditional Sıra Geceleri there are many issues brought up, such as education, literature, politics and so on.

The most distinctive characteristic of the night is music and çiğ köfte (a dish made of raw ground meat, pounded wheat, red pepper, onion, and many other spices).

Urfa Sıra Geceleri

Traditional folk music and classical Turkish music is played throughout the night with someone making çiğ köfte. Besides çiğ köfte, there are some desserts served, such as Şıllık, Kadayıf, Paliza, Şire, Akıt etc.

The songs are sung in chorus by all those in attendance.

People sit cross-legged in a circle and get involved in friendly conversations.

Some examples

Some examples

Some examples