The whole team was very graciously invited to a wedding one evening, for a family member of one of the Tayinat crew members. We often hear the sounds of weddings in the surrounding area - they are immediately identifiable by the loud drums of the wedding band playing late into the night. I was very excited to see what a Turkish wedding was like, and wear the only nice outfit I brought with me to Turkey.
When we got to the wedding hall, the bride and groom had not yet arrived. The event was held in a large building, which I believe is largely used for weddings and similar events. It was huge, and had tiered bleacher-esque seating. Everyone sits at tables around the room, and there is a stand selling food and drinks near the entrance.
After that the dancing never stopped. The bride and groom danced around the room, in Turkish style with their arms raised, separately and then together. Then they led circle dances for the guests. Later they each danced around the room throwing roses at the guests and dancing with people as they walked around. And on top of all that there were songs just for the guests to dance to. So much dancing.
One of the greatest parts was the band playing music throughout the night. They were incredible, and incredibly loud. I have no idea what the songs were, but the crowd seemed to know and love them, and I'm assuming they were normal Turkish wedding songs. Below is the wedding singer and one of the drummers, in the striped shirts.
At the very end of the night, just when we thought it was time to go home, they lowered the lights. Instant after-party, and the dancing began again. A fantastic evening!
When we got to the wedding hall, the bride and groom had not yet arrived. The event was held in a large building, which I believe is largely used for weddings and similar events. It was huge, and had tiered bleacher-esque seating. Everyone sits at tables around the room, and there is a stand selling food and drinks near the entrance.
Waiting for the bride and groom to arrive.
The entrance way.
A young guest, who seemed intrigued by our presence there.
The bride and groom had the customary first dance when they arrived.
After that the dancing never stopped. The bride and groom danced around the room, in Turkish style with their arms raised, separately and then together. Then they led circle dances for the guests. Later they each danced around the room throwing roses at the guests and dancing with people as they walked around. And on top of all that there were songs just for the guests to dance to. So much dancing.
The guests take over the circle dancing, and things start to get very lively.
The bride making one of her dancing rounds around the room. She
was an incredible dancer, I must say.
The Tayinat staff enjoying the festivities.
One of the greatest parts was the band playing music throughout the night. They were incredible, and incredibly loud. I have no idea what the songs were, but the crowd seemed to know and love them, and I'm assuming they were normal Turkish wedding songs. Below is the wedding singer and one of the drummers, in the striped shirts.
The drummers go around the room and choose a person to stop in front of.
That person has to get up and do their own little freestyle dance.
At the very end of the night, just when we thought it was time to go home, they lowered the lights. Instant after-party, and the dancing began again. A fantastic evening!
Now that's the way to get married! I especially loved the bridal gown.
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