HERE IS KONYA'S CHRISTMAS AND HOLLWEEN: ŞİVLİLİK

Şivlilik — like Halloween, “Trick or treat” (Turkish Version)

The lantern procession, held the night before Şivlilik, is just like Christmas.

The evening of Şivlilik coincides with the celebration of Reğaip Kandili.

The atmosphere is a mix of a temple fair and an amusement park. Spirituality and fun.

An incredibly charming tradition unique to Konya! December 25, 2025 in Konya

There is a lovely tradition called "Şivlilik" (pronounced chi-li-lik). Come on, let me tell you about it.

What is Şivlilik?

Şivlilik is not just an activity for children. It symbolizes a new beginning, the start of the three holy months (Üç Aylar) according to the Islamic calendar. It is a period of preparation before the month of Ramadan. In Konya, the beginning of the three holy months starts with lantern processions before Regaip Kandili, which falls on the first Thursday to Friday of the month of Recep according to the Hijri calendar.

The people of Konya organized this event for this reason and purpose...Bring happiness to children.

Instill religious love and a spirit of sharing.

This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation since the Ottoman era.

The night before the event: Torchlight Procession

The city is especially lively the night before Şivlilik.

Children are going outside carrying lanterns and torches, and in some areas small bonfires are being lit as if to announce "better days to come."

Early hours of the sugar hunt!

There is only one rule.

Getting up early means eating plenty of snacks. That usually starts around 6:00 AM.

Children carry large cloth bags (Şivlilik bags). They knock on the doors of houses and shops, shouting "Şivlilik!". At the doors that open, the children recite these rhymes.

Şivli şivli şişirdik şişirdi

Erken kalkan pişirdi

İki çörek bir börek

Bize şivlilik gerek

In Konya, adults should have their homes stocked with chocolates, sweets, and gifts. Anyone who doesn't open the door, or opens it late, could spoil the children's smiles.

What is given to children?

Traditional: Bişi (hot fried dough), roasted peanuts, dried fruit, düğü (a type of bulgur salad), bulgur, chickpeas, lokum (Turkish delight) biscuits.

Now a days: Chocolate, wafers, lollipops, fruit juice, toys, etc.

Highlights: At a large event organized by the municipalities, "Şivlilik boxes" containing gifts are being distributed. Inside are snacks, toys, balloons, and windmills.

Shivlilik is based on the Islamic calendar.

The date of the event changes every year, and... in some years, like this year, it coincides exactly with Christmas time.

For example, the year 2025 falls on December 25th, which has led many people to jokingly say...

"This is Konya's Christmas!" (This has no religious connotation.)

The program for the Şivlilik tradition for the year 2026.

Lantern Festival (Lantern Procession): Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Sugar Feast (Şivlilik): Thursday, December 10, 2026

Hidden meaning

Giving candy to a stranger serves as a lesson in this regard...

Sharing, giving charity, and being compassionate.

Children will grow up with these memories...

Religion and community = Goodness

If you are planning a trip to Türkiye, be sure to visit Konya during the best times for your trip.

If you happen to be there during the Şivlilik season, rest assured… bags full of snacks might be heavy.

However, the experience you will have will be unforgettable.