Traditional Turkish Engagement where love takes center stage
In Turkish culture, when a couple decides to take their relationship to the next level and get married, a beautiful tradition unfolds. As their bond becomes more serious, the families of the soon-to-be bride and groom come together. On a chosen evening, the prospective groom and his relatives visit the home of the prospective bride’s family. This visit serves as the setting for the engagement ceremony and reception, all in one memorable night.
With roses, cookies, cakes, and engagement rings in tow, the groom’s party arrives. After introductions and settling down, the bride-to-be prepares Turkish coffee for everyone. In earlier times, when arranged marriages were common, a woman who wished to decline a proposal would subtly express her disinterest by adding salt to the man’s coffee. However, this tradition has evolved, and women now playfully add salt to the men’s coffee, irrespective of their intentions, just for enjoyment.
As the coffee is enjoyed by all, the father of the groom or an elder family member respectfully asks the father of the bride, or another respected family member, for permission to marry. If the bride’s family agrees, the path to the wedding ceremony is cleared, marking the beginning of the joyful journey towards matrimony. During the engagement ceremony, families often add a touch of merriment by incorporating music, creating an atmosphere of celebration and delight.
