Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Turkish Literature and Poetry Research Society celebrated Hıdırellez, the herald of spring, with traditional festivities. Held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the park adjacent to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the celebration drew attention with its joyful and culturally rich activities.

The festival began with an opening speech by OMU faculty member Prof. Dr. Bekir Şişman. In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Şişman elaborated on the origins and cultural significance of Hıdırellez:

“Turks celebrate the arrival of spring on two different dates: Nevruz and Hıdırellez. Nevruz is a pre-Islamic holiday celebrated by Eastern Turks, while Hıdırellez was embraced in Western Turkic culture in the post-Islamic period, evolving around the figures of Hızır and Ilyas.”

Emphasizing Hıdırellez's role in popular belief, Prof. Dr. Şişman added, “This special day is believed to be the time when Hızır and Ilyas meet on Earth. Hızır is a figure who comes to the aid of those in distress and brings abundance and prosperity wherever he visits. The saying ‘Hızır does not appear unless one is in despair’ reflects this belief within folk culture.”

The celebrations featured traditional games and activities that attracted great interest. Students enjoyed games such as egg tapping, tug-of-war, jump rope, sack races, spoon-egg races, dodgeball, and drawing manis (folk verses) from a pottery jar. The event also included the wish tree ritual, one of the symbolic traditions of Hıdırellez.

With the enthusiastic participation of academics and students, the event concluded in a lively and meaningful atmosphere.