Tradition of collective Eid greetings in Bursa: A line stretching over 1km long

In Cerrah, a neighborhood in the Inegol district of Türkiye’s Bursa province, the tradition of collective Eid greetings marking the end of Ramadan has been a longstanding practice.

Hasan Ayar, the muhtar (elected neighborhood representative) of Cerrah, emphasized the importance of this tradition, stating that it has been passed down through generations for 60 to 65 years.

“This tradition is a legacy from our ancestors, and we continue to uphold it. We will carry it on for years to come,” he said.

Cerrah, home to approximately 12,000 residents, follows a unique practice during religious holidays. The people of Cerrah gather in large numbers for collective greetings during Eid, a tradition that has become an essential part of the community’s celebrations.

The practice begins right after the Eid prayer, with more than a thousand people lining up to greet each other in a festive display of unity and joy. The queue, which can stretch for over 1 kilometer (0.6 miles), serves as a testament to the deep-rooted tradition in the neighborhood.

Hasan Ayar, the muhtar, shared more about this tradition, stating, “The Eid greeting tradition in our neighborhood has been a part of our culture for 60-65 years, passed down from our ancestors. We continue to preserve and promote this practice, and we will keep doing so in the future. Wishing everyone a blessed Eid.”