March 8 in Turkey, although relatively recently, has become an official holiday and is celebrated annually, although with some differences from our usual celebration. Since the establishment of the Turkish Republic, starting in 1923, this day was celebrated unofficially, but only in 1984 it received the status of International Women's Day. Since then, it has been celebrated in the country every year.
Although Mother's Day, which falls on the second Sunday in May, is more widely celebrated in Turkey, March 8th is also a holiday that is highly anticipated and celebrated. Here, great importance is attached to family values, which is reflected in the culture of respect and love for all women in the family, so an international day dedicated to women could not be ignored.
The celebration of March 8 in Turkey, however, has distinctive features compared to what we are used to seeing in the former republics of the Soviet Union. Firstly, it is worth noting that March 8 is not a holiday, and if the date falls on a working day, then the whole country operates as usual.
Secondly, this day in Turkey remains a day of struggle for women's rights and gender equality, honoring the achievements of women around the world. Instead of sentimental notes, this holiday is socio-political in nature. On this day, commercials against violence against women are shown on television, and rallies and actions are held throughout the country in support of the rights of women and victims of domestic violence. So, don’t be alarmed when you see police cordons and women protesting in the main squares of cities - this is how activists celebrate International Women’s Day.
At the same time, in the city you can meet representatives of political parties and various organizations who give women attention in the form of a flower or a small present. Likewise, in the workplace, congratulating female colleagues with the same signs of attention is becoming increasingly popular.
