Although it is celebrated as a Gypsy festival nowadays, Hidirellez is the Turkish version of an ancient tradition, celebration of the first day of the spring, the awakening of nature. There are several theories about the etymology and the origin of Hidirellez. However, according to the most popular belief, Hız(d)ır is a prophet who aids people in difficulty and distributes plenty and health.

Ahirkapi is a Gyspy neighborhood and has been hosting the Hidirellez festivities organized by the Armada Hotel and the Eminonu Municipality for seven years.

Ahirkapi Big Gypsy Band

Ahirkapi Big Gypsy Band

Ahirkapi Big Gypsy Band

Ahirkapi Big Gypsy Band

Ahirkapi Big Gypsy Band

Kocani Orkestar: Macedonia’s most famous Gypsy brass band

Kocani Orkestar: Macedonia’s most famous Gypsy brass band

Goksenin Ileri’s “Istanbul Singers” project. The dancers are foreign students of a belly dancing school.

Another picture of the "Istanbul Singers".

Gordem & Yiannis Saoulis, a married Greek-Turkish couple, played Turkish and Greek common songs.

It is believed that the wishes you make on the day of Hidirellez will come true. In this picture, and the next one, you see a house decorated with petitions written to Hizir on paper and rag.

A “Petition tree” for making wishes. Traditionally, the petitions are attached on real trees.

Lüleburgazli Kücük Hasan’s band: My favorite band at the festival; lots of loud zurnas (oboe-like double reed instrument).

Kucuk Hasan is the horn player with the eyeglasses.

Taner Kum, the head of the Musician’s Association in Lüleburgaz (city in Turkish Thrace with a significant Gypsy population).

Ahirkapili Pire Mehmet and his Gypsy Band: another great Turkish Gypsy band.

Another shot of the same band.

Fire jumpers; Greeks have the same tradition but on Agios Ioannis (St. John).

A Gypsy fortuneteller, Kara Hanife of Adapazari, telling my fortune (taken the day after the festival).

Beautiful Istanbul (taken the day after the festival).

Sükrü Ilicak is a G7 in History and Middle Eastern Studies.