Ederlezi Enthusiasm in İstanbul
Ederlezi, which is celebrated by many Balkan and Central Asian
peoples but particularly embraced by Roma, is celebrated in İstanbul with a
great enthusiasm. The celebrations in Ahırkapı, Kuştepe and Büyükçekmece were
either traditional and modern. The famous Roma singer Kibariye was guest artist in the activity
organized by Büyükçekmece municipality for Ederlezi and mother's day. Local
Roma community leaving in the district participated to the activity. Roma
residents of Kuştepe were too crowded in the activity in which famous Roma
singers Orhan Esen, Kobra Murat ve Tarık Mengüç performed. Roma from the
other Roma districts also participated to the activity which was organized by
Kuştepe Roma Flower Seller Association. The enthusiasm of the residents and
university students remarked the celebrations in Ahırkapı similar to the
celebrations of last year.The residents said that they are so happy with the support of
university students. Ederlezi, which ise celebrated as the starting point of warm
seasons, has a special meaning for Roma. According to a very ancient Roma
legend, which is almost forgotten, the great king who provide peace and unity
for Roma were lost in near waterfront in Ederlezi. He will turn back in an
other Ederlezi and provide peace and unity for Roma again.
