|
|
Many foreigners maybe curious about the turkish funeral process. After all, this is something that we have to deal with in our lives. Losing someone close to you can be a difficult time, and it is important to know where to look for help, and have some knowledge about what you can expect here in Turkey. When someone dies in Turkey, the basic principles for preparing for a funeral are the same as most European countries, but traditions are of course different. These also vary from place to place, and if the funeral is to be held in deep Anatolia or a small village for example, this can make a difference as well. As soon as possible, the family, neighbours, and others come together to start the funeral process. When a Muslim dies, the prayer to God for the deceased Muslim is a duty (Fard Kifayah). This be offered by some of the Muslims present at the time, and the other Muslims become exempt from responsibility. The whole body of the deceased person, beginning with the parts of the body which are generally exposed to dirt & dust, must be washed a few times with soap and cleansed of all visible impurities. They call this "Ghusul". A man's body should be washed by men and a woman's body by women, but a child's body can be washed by either. A husband may wash his wife's body and vice versa if the need arises. When the body is thoroughly clean, it is wrapped in one or more white cotton sheets (Kafan or Kefen) covering all the parts of the body. If the family are preparing the body, which is more common in smaller villages and towns, salt is placed on the stomach of the body to prevent swelling. Death is not a calm time for family and relatives. It is very normal to see highly charged emotions in this situation. People are crying and wailing very loudly, and there is a need to try to go and kiss the person for the last time. Generally, funerals widely upset the general community. Ground Burial is more traditional here in Turkey as opposed to cremation. Following preparation, the dead body is placed in a coffin and carried to the place of prayer, a mosque (outside in the courtyard) or any other clean premises. The body is put in a position with the face toward the direction of Kaba in Mecca (Qibla or Kible). All participants in the prayer must perform ablution (ritual washing) unless they are keeping an earlier one. The imam stands beside the body facing the Qiblah at Mecca with the followers behind him in lines. The imam raises his hands to the ears declaring the intention in a low voice to pray to God for the particular deceased one, and saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is greatest). The worshippers follow the imam's lead and after him place their right hands over the left ones under the navel as in other prayers. Then the imam recites in a low voice what is usually recited in other prayers, i.e. the 'Thana' and the Fatiha verses of the Koran only. After completing the prayer, the coffin is taken to the cemetary; if walking mourners should walk in front or beside, those who are riding or driving should follow it. During this process silence is required. If the coffin is to be carried this is done by the males. The grave is dug very deep and the body is lowered for burial with the face resting in the direction of Mecca (Qibla). Beside the Iman's words, any other fit prayers may be offered. It is not recommended to use a casket unless there is a need for it .,e.g the soil is wet or loose. A stone or bricks or soil should be placed under the deceased's head to raise it up. After placing the body in the grave, the pit is filled with soil, and the level of the grave is raised a little less than one foot in a sloping way. The grave should be built and marked in a simple way. The body should only be covered with white cotton sheets of standard material, as any extravagance in building the grave or dressing up the body in fine suits etc is non Islamic. After the burial, people come and visit the relatives and give comfort by being together. For respect Muslims pray to god and read from the Koran, to help bless the deceased person's soul and make their passage to heaven a safe one. A special sweet food called Helva, a mix of sugar, butter and flour, cooked over heat is given to the visitors. This is also left at the grave. In the time following the funeral the person's family are in mourning, avoiding happy activity to respect the person's soul. No TV is switched on, no music is played and the family wear black. This is not a rule but traditional for people in Turkey as they believe this is a respectful thing to do after a person has died. Finally, after 40 days they give a meal for relatives and friends as a blessing, and for the religious part of their culture. |
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
