The difference between boys and girls’ rites of passage to adulthood differs. Girls have a biological marker for which there is no direct equivalent for boys. In Middle Eastern societies, rites of passage where boys become men are more elaborate than elsewhere such as bar mitzvahs in Jewish communities and circumcision in Muslim cultures.In Middle Eastern cultures, male children can receive preferential treatment. The celebration around the rite of passage, circumcision, is an example.
Maybe you have noticed a convertible driving around your neighborhood with a little boy dressed in a king’s costume -- scepter and all…
Circumcision is a hallmark rite of passage for a boy. It is seen as a mark of becoming a man. This practice is rooted in Islamic tradition. Usually the son is circumcised around age 8. Some poor families will choose to have two sons circumcised at the same time because of the finances needed for separate parties. It may be that one son could be older or younger than 8. The circumcision party includes the son wearing a special suit, just like a little sultan with his sequined cape, hat and scepter.
The tradition for a religious family is to have a poem about the Prophet Muhammad (mevlüt) recited just before the circumcision. Another popular tradition is to parade the child in a car around town in a convoy with the cars honking their horns. The actual ceremony is usually done in public on a white bed. The child receives many presents: often toy guns, etc. Usually the start of summer is a popular time for circumcisions: It allows time for the patient to recover before returning to the rough and tumble of school life, and summer clothing is lighter and easier to wear. Wealthy businessmen may show their benevolence by paying for the requisite party for poor boys in their neighborhood. Or a wealthy religious employer may sponsor the party for the children of his employees.
For a young male, this rite of passage is a social event that lets everyone know he has changed his social status, and the community around the family gives social recognition and acknowledgement. A real time of celebration!
National service is another important rite of passage. When leaving for military duty, the young man will receive a grand send off by family and friends.
The phrase “En büyük asker bizim asker” is very popular. It means, “The greatest soldier is our soldier.” Military service is mandatory for all male citizens. After age 20, every male has to do 15 months of military service, which is reduced to five months if one completes university. Every so often the government offers the option for people to pay a large sum and do just one month. If one lives abroad and maintains a job with insurance for at least three years, one can pay a fee and only has to do one month of service. During the last few decades, problems in the Southeast have discouraged men from signing up for fear of being sent to that region as part of their service.
When a young man is leaving for his military assignment, his friends plan a big send off. This time in a young man’s life is another significant rite of passage. All enlistees have one month of training, and then based on education and skill level, assignments are made. The better educated get office jobs and other strategic appointments. Some major army training centers are in Bilecik and Isparta. The latter is a commando training center. The army creates national unity and promotes the idea of strong secular teaching upholding the republic. Often it is in the army where village youths are taught to improve their reading and social skills.
Like many countries, when older men get together to drink, they tell national service stories. Every Turkish male theoretically is part of the army reserve and can be called up in times of war.
These two rites of passage for Muslim males and others for males and females provide us with the opportunity to grow and change.
“Things do not change; we change.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
