While my previous posts may have left you with the impression that I was wandering around Turkey aimlessly as a tourist, the whole purpose of my visit was to see two amazing friends get married. Or at least have a Turkish wedding celebration with all of Figo's family and friends, as their official signing of documents will be in Minnesota this October.
Figo's family was so welcoming. The whole experience only confirmed my findings of Turkish people being unbelievably kind and hospitable. Around twelve of us made the trip out to Turkey, mostly Mandy's Minnesotan friends, and then a couple from DC. A bus had been organized to take us out to Sizir, Figo's parents' village.
When we arrived, almost the first thing that happened is that the women of the family took Mandy into a celebratory dancing circle around a tree. A few minutes later, all of us girls were dancing, and having a blast. This lasted quite some time. And there were drums involved. Fantastic.
We also were taken on a tour of the sites of Sizir, including a beautiful waterfall, and a Salmon hatchery.
On arrival back at the house, we had wonderful wonderful food, seated all together as the foreign contingent, I believe.
Then we spent the better part of the remaining daylight sitting under a mulberry bush, getting to know Figo's family, and playing with the kids. Every-so-often the men in the group would sneak off with the brothers and uncles and drink . . . leaving us girls to hang with the womenfolk. Mandy was radiant and relaxed. I love the general feeling of the day, and how Mandy and Figo and the family on got dressed up right before leaving the daytime party.
Figo's family were so lovely, and we were so at home with them, it couldn't have been a more happy and tranquil afternoon. Sitting in the shade, watching the sun go lower in the sky.
Here's one of Figo and the ladies, after he got all dressed up. I do love that tie.
And then it was time for the wedding ceremony. Mandy and Figo quietly put on their wedding rings (which we'd helped to pick out the day before), and walked out of the house together, getting into the decorated car. We all took pictures, then piled into other cars and the bus and followed them in a noisy procession around Sizir, honking and alerting all of the neighbours to the wedding party.
The procession ended at the local school, where there were 300 Turks, the 11 Americans, and me. Dance party all night long was the plan. So, dance we did. Mandy and Figo walked down the stars to exploding white fireworks, and danced their first dance together. And Figo has some moves--don't let him tell you otherwise. Next time I'm in DC, we're all going dancing, and that man is joining us. Then, in the majority, it was hours of circle dancing (much fun) interspersed intermittently with the two American songs that they had included in the lineup for our benefit, I think. Such a lovely night.
The only thing that would have distinguished this from the weddings you are used to, would be the style of dancing and dress, and a tradition of adorning the bride with gold coins, to help them get started out in life. The names of the gift givers and the amounts are read out and noted, so as to provide a record for reciprocation down the line when other marriages occur.
Figo looked a little trepidatious cutting the massive multi-tiered cake, but much happier eating it.
And that was the end of a lovely lovely night. Thank you Mandy and Figo for letting us share in your beautiful day. So glad I was able to be there, and I can't wait to see you in the years to come. You'd better believe I'm coming to visit if you ever end up living in Istanbul! Mmm. . . Lahmacun.
Figo's family was so welcoming. The whole experience only confirmed my findings of Turkish people being unbelievably kind and hospitable. Around twelve of us made the trip out to Turkey, mostly Mandy's Minnesotan friends, and then a couple from DC. A bus had been organized to take us out to Sizir, Figo's parents' village.
When we arrived, almost the first thing that happened is that the women of the family took Mandy into a celebratory dancing circle around a tree. A few minutes later, all of us girls were dancing, and having a blast. This lasted quite some time. And there were drums involved. Fantastic.
We also were taken on a tour of the sites of Sizir, including a beautiful waterfall, and a Salmon hatchery.
On arrival back at the house, we had wonderful wonderful food, seated all together as the foreign contingent, I believe.
Then we spent the better part of the remaining daylight sitting under a mulberry bush, getting to know Figo's family, and playing with the kids. Every-so-often the men in the group would sneak off with the brothers and uncles and drink . . . leaving us girls to hang with the womenfolk. Mandy was radiant and relaxed. I love the general feeling of the day, and how Mandy and Figo and the family on got dressed up right before leaving the daytime party.
Figo's family were so lovely, and we were so at home with them, it couldn't have been a more happy and tranquil afternoon. Sitting in the shade, watching the sun go lower in the sky.
Here's one of Figo and the ladies, after he got all dressed up. I do love that tie.
And then it was time for the wedding ceremony. Mandy and Figo quietly put on their wedding rings (which we'd helped to pick out the day before), and walked out of the house together, getting into the decorated car. We all took pictures, then piled into other cars and the bus and followed them in a noisy procession around Sizir, honking and alerting all of the neighbours to the wedding party.
The only thing that would have distinguished this from the weddings you are used to, would be the style of dancing and dress, and a tradition of adorning the bride with gold coins, to help them get started out in life. The names of the gift givers and the amounts are read out and noted, so as to provide a record for reciprocation down the line when other marriages occur.
Figo looked a little trepidatious cutting the massive multi-tiered cake, but much happier eating it.
And that was the end of a lovely lovely night. Thank you Mandy and Figo for letting us share in your beautiful day. So glad I was able to be there, and I can't wait to see you in the years to come. You'd better believe I'm coming to visit if you ever end up living in Istanbul! Mmm. . . Lahmacun.
Thank you for documenting this. I unfortunately was not able to be there to celebrate.
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