If this is Christmas, what happens at Easter?

(December 19) The Christmas trees have been up here in Izmir for weeks and decorations at the mall feature Santa and his reindeer in various interpretations, most of which we would recognize at King of Prussia mall although one or two look like Children of the Corn. Turkey's government is notoriously secular, or at least it has been historically, and Muslims make up more than 90% of the population so what gives?

For those of you who may not know, and that included us until a few weeks ago, many of the ancient traditions of Christmas originally come from Asia Minor.  Santa Claus, originally St. Basil in the Eastern Orthodox Church, comes from Caesarea, modern day Kayseri near Cappadocia.  According to the blogosphere, a traditional Greek Christmas carol proclaims his miracle work in the lands of Anatolia to this day.  In fact, his feast day is celebrated on January 1st, the same day Turkey celebrates Christmas (or their version of it).

The surprise is that even though trees are decorated, lights are up and stores hold holiday sales, Christmas itself is not mentioned in any of these Turkish celebrations.  While gifts are given on January 1, we're guessing as a St. Basil feast day holdover, it's celebrated as "Mutlu Yillar" (Happy New Year) celebration. It's a little...OK a lot confusing but something tells me it's neither Christmas nor confusion, just commercialism that's driving this New Year's celebration that looks, walks and talks like Christmas. 

Tired of over-commercialized Christmases in the U.S. and mall carols that you can't get out of your head? Turkey's version is a lot tamer but in a city where the "azan" (Islamic call to prayer) wails through the air five times a day the trees and reindeer seem like a disconnect. (Maybe I just didn't get enough New Year's gifts as a kid)


In any event, Mutlu Yillar!