In Istanbul I have seen a number of boys in Sultan-like costumes parading the streets and parks with their families in tow. I thought they were just having a nice weekend family time off. You know, play dress up as a Little Sultan and such. Oh boy, I was so darn wrong.
Little boys actually wear them because of a very important tradition.
The Sultan-like costume is worn to mark the forthcoming circumcision of the boy. This is his official transitioning phase from being a boy to soon becoming a man in the real world. It’s a big milestone in the life of the little boy and and a big celebration for his family. This is a sacred ritual as well in Turkish culture, which is passed on from generation to generation.
In Islam, Judaism and a few Christian communities, circumcision is practised and highly valued. I know in the Philippines that a man’s self-esteem and manhood largely comes from being circumcised. You just don’t have any idea what uncircumcised boys (and men) go through if others find out they are not. They get bullied, teased and such. Not funny at all.
Since we are in this subject, I might add that girls in most countries in Africa and a few in the Middle East also go through circumcision, or otherwise known as female genital mutilation. It’s crazy and bizarre. It does not make sense at all!
I understand that this is a very sensitive topic so instead of further extrapolating this in my blog I suggest that you google this phrase, ‘What is the purpose of circumcising or circumcision’ and think for a second, perhaps for a few minutes, or maybe even more – What would it be like and what would it do to you (male or female), if you were faced with circumcision at a very young age?
Travel Period: May 2015
Destination: Fatih, Istanbul (Marmara), Turkey
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)