--- title: Sıra Gecesi slug: sira-gecesi-3c87f url: /detay/sira-gecesi-3c87f type: article language: English entity: primary: Sıra Gecesi type: article disambiguation: Şanlıurfa'nın geleneksel Sıra Gecesi: sosyal, kültürel bir buluşma. categories: - name: General Knowledge slug: genel-kultur url: /kategori/genel-kultur - name: Performance Arts slug: sahne-sanatlari url: /kategori/sahne-sanatlari - name: Travel And Tourism slug: seyahat-ve-turizm url: /kategori/seyahat-ve-turizm tags: - Sıra Gecesi - çiğköfte - Ahilik - Gastronomi - Şanlıurfa author: Sevgi Kıraç created_at: 2025-05-19T16:58:58.766534+03:00 updated_at: 2025-05-23T09:48:41.343210+03:00 image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/05/20/YvskeQjPBM3as81vZTllcFx3DizF3Ow7.jpeg --- # Sıra Gecesi ## Article Content [Sıra Gecesi](/en/detay/sira-geceleri-206c7/llms.txt) is a traditional type of gathering held especially in [Şanlıurfa](/en/detay/sanliurfa-496e6/llms.txt), conducted within a specific set of rules. These gatherings are considered events where individuals come together for social, cultural, educational, and solidarity purposes, contributing to the formation and continuity of the city’s identity. A fundamental principle in the organization of these gatherings is that participants should be similar in age, occupation, and social status. ### **History** Although there is no written history of Sıra Gecesi, oral history studies reveal that this tradition has existed for approximately 150 to 200 years. Deeply rooted in the social structure of Şanlıurfa, Sıra Gecesi reflects the influences of the *Ahilik* (guild) and *Fütüvvet* (chivalric) traditions. Like in *Ahilik*, solidarity, mutual assistance, and the education of individuals are prioritized in Sıra Gecesi gatherings. Notably, during the occupation of Urfa, these gatherings served as venues for social organization and resistance planning. For instance, in 1919, a branch of the *Müdafaa-i Hukuk Cemiyeti* (Society for the Defense of National Rights) was established during a Sıra Gecesi, and the city’s struggle for independence was organized through these meetings. ### **Structure and Rules of Operation** Sıra Gecesi is held on a designated night of the week in the homes of participants, following a fixed rotation order. Participation is governed by established rules. Young individuals initially take part by serving or observing and gradually attain full participant status. Guests are introduced by the host, and traditionally, *mırra* (a strong bitter coffee) is served. During these gatherings, participants engage in conversation, perform local music, and play traditional games. A variety of regional dishes, especially *çiğköfte*, are served. As the night progresses, a cultural atmosphere is created through music and literature discussions, conversations, and humorous exchanges. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/19/05bKVj4USx1oxYlr2O0oVs1V49X49wto.jpg) *Mırra (AA)* ### **Music in Sıra Gecesi** Sıra Gecesi plays a crucial role in the development and transmission of Şanlıurfa's musical culture. These gatherings serve as social environments where music is passed down within a master-apprentice framework. Participants sustain the traditional musical repertoire through their vocal or instrumental performances, and also contribute to the creation of new works. Musical performances typically begin in the *Rast* or *Divan* makam (mode), continue with *Uşşak*, *Hicaz*, and others, and often conclude with the *Kürdi* or again the *Rast* makam. Songs and folk melodies are performed in accordance with the character of each makam, with interludes featuring examples of *hoyrat* and *gazel* (improvised folk poetry). Sıra Gecesi offers a functional educational setting for beginners in music to learn makams, acquire repertoire, and gain performance experience. In this respect, it functions as a “folk conservatory” at the local level. Many renowned artists in Şanlıurfa’s musical history—such as Mukim Tahir, Kel Hamza, Damburacı Derviş, Tenekeci Mahmut, [Kazancı Bedih](/en/detay/kazanci-bedih-9b2c8/llms.txt), İbrahim Tatlıses, Mehmet Özbek, and Mahmut Coşkunses—are reported to have developed their musical formation through Sıra Gecesi gatherings. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/19/nz09ITWe6voG4f2chRZKIaWibnaiVobo.jpg) *Çiğköfte (AA)* ### **Educational Function** Sıra Gecesi also serves as a public school. Through these meetings, young individuals learn social etiquette, the rules of speaking and listening, and respect for elders. Cultural norms and traditional values are thus transmitted from one generation to the next. Achieving a certain age and maturity level is considered a prerequisite for full participation. These gatherings are vital tools for individuals to learn their social roles and for preserving the city’s collective memory. ### **Cultural Identity and Sıra Gecesi** Sıra Gecesi is a key component of Şanlıurfa’s cultural identity. It is seen as a concrete reflection of the city’s unique structure and social network. Cultural elements such as games, music, and conversation function as instruments that reinforce and sustain urban identity. Considering the cultural significance of play within the concept of culture, Sıra Gecesi occupies an important position as both a bearer of culture and an observer of cultural changes. In this way, it directly contributes to both individual and collective identity formation. ### **Touristic Aspect and Perceived Authenticity** Today, Sıra Gecesi holds a significant place within cultural tourism. Participation in these gatherings is a major source of motivation for both domestic and international tourists visiting Şanlıurfa, as it provides a culturally rich and authentic experience. Research indicates that the perceived authenticity of the physical setting, music, and food enhances the participants’ experience of “flow.” A positive correlation of 0.71 has been identified between perceived authenticity and the flow experience. The presence of traditional elements in the venue, the local character of the musical performance, and the authenticity of the regional dishes served make participants feel that they are experiencing something genuinely authentic. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/19/ZfxOGsAyogIBLoK5QiGCvSDXY0ldEyNx.jpg) *Urfa Sıra Gecesi (AA)* ### **Gastronomic Perspective of Sıra Gecesi** Sıra Gecesi is a significant recreational event that showcases Şanlıurfa’s rich culinary heritage. The dishes served during these nights play an important role in promoting the region’s gastronomy tourism. The presentation of traditional foods such as *çiğköfte*, *lahmacun*, various *kebabs*, *bademli pilav*, *dolma*, and local desserts contributes to the growth of culinary tourism. Moreover, these events are crucial for preserving local culinary products and passing them on to future generations. Research emphasizes that gastronomy tourism enhances cultural sustainability and contributes to rural development. Sıra Gecesi is a vibrant representation of Şanlıurfa’s social structure, cultural values, and urban identity. As it encompasses functions of education, entertainment, socialization, and cultural transmission, Sıra Gecesi remains a dynamic element of contemporary urban life. ## Academic Sources and References 1. Altürk, A. Vahap, and A. Celil Çakıcı. “An Analysis of the Relationship between Flow Experience and Perceived Authenticity in Sıra Gecesi Events via Canonical Correlation.” Journal of Travel and Hotel Management 21, no. 2 (2024): 327–342. Accessed May 9, 2025. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/3716856. 2. Anadolu Agency. "The Tasting Delight of Special Occasions: Mirra." Anadolu Agency. Accessed May 9, 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/kultur-sanat/ozel-gunlerin-tadimlik-lezzeti-mirra/1378710. 3. Anadolu Agency. “The Name of Entertainment in Şanlıurfa: Sıra Gecesi.” Anadolu Agency. Accessed May 9, 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/pg/foto-galeri/sanliurfada-eglencenin-adi-sira-gecesi-/146. 4. Barakazı, Mahmut, and Sibel Önçel. “Sıra Gecesi as a Recreational Tourism Activity.” Interdisciplinary Academic Tourism Journal 2, no. 1 (2017): 87–97. Accessed May 9, 2025. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/371800. 5. Tayanç, Mehmet. “A Traditional Game in the Construction of Urban Identity: Sıra Gecesi.” Nişantaşı University Journal of Social Sciences 9, no. 1 (2021): 36–45. Accessed May 9, 2025. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/1642253.