Date	03.01.2025
Department	Coordinatorship Scientific Publications
SDG

The centuries-old tradition of ‘Şivlilik’ in Konya, which symbolises the beginning of the three months and Regaip Kandil, was kept alive with various activities organised by NEU PRESS KIDS at our University.

Within the scope of the activities, Rector of our University Prof. Dr. Cem Zorlu came together with the children of our staff and served them treats. Then, Prof. Dr. Zorlu participated in the ‘Tiny Chefs Workshop’ event organised under the leadership of our University in cooperation with the Social Innovation Agency, Bilgehaneler and Kamer College, and had pleasant conversations with tiny students.

In the event held at the Rectorate Building of our university, NEU PRESS KIDS brand was introduced with the participation of our board of directors. Within the framework of the book ‘Yedim Bitti’, the first work of the brand, the importance of Şivlilik was explained to the little guests and information was given about the activities of our university.

Unforgettable Experiences for the Little Ones

The events continued with special workshops where children can have fun and learn at the same time. The ‘Kitchen Workshop’ led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eda Güneş, a faculty member of the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Faculty of Tourism, and the ‘Play and Drama Workshop’ organised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bengü Türkoğlu, a faculty member of the Department of Preschool Education, Ahmet Keleşoğlu Faculty of Education, gave children pleasant moments.

In the kitchen workshop, ‘Energy Balls’, one of the 21 recipes in the ‘Yedim Bitti’ book, was meticulously prepared by the children. In this process, the little ones both recognised our traditional culinary culture and discovered the importance of healthy nutrition by learning the nutritional values of the ingredients used. The programme, which was coloured with fun games and hygiene-themed activities, was completed with an interactive book reading workshop under the guidance of author Özlem Balcı Saban.

‘Our Traditions Carry Us to the Future’

After the events, our Rector Prof. Dr. Cem Zorlu made a speech on the meaning and importance of the day and emphasised the value of traditions for societies:

‘Societies can survive by keeping their traditions alive. Şivlilik is a distinguished tradition unique to Konya that has been going on for centuries. This shows us how much the depth of Konya's social tradition is.  The existence and abundance of traditions also tells us how much that society is connected to its past and history. Traditions are not easily formed. The more you embrace your past, the better you can construct your future. One of the most important components of surviving as a society and nation is to protect its traditions. The tradition of shivlilik, which has been going on for centuries, continues by expanding even more. As Necmettin Erbakan University, we also organise activities to be a part of this tradition and participate in the activities carried out.’ He said.

‘Şivlilik Creates Awareness in Children’

Drawing attention to the importance of Şivlilik for children, Rector Prof. Dr. Zorlu continued his words as follows

‘Şivlilik is the harbinger of the three months, Ramadan and the holy days. Ramadan is a period that increases the gains of people in a year many times over. Shivlilik is a preparation for Ramadan. It is the bell of the entrance lesson to Ramadan. This is how we prepare our children for Ramadan in Konya. We would like to thank the staff of our university and Konya Metropolitan Municipality for organising such events with the hope that this rare tradition of ours will live for centuries after us.’ 

This meaningful day contributed to the transfer of our traditions from generation to generation by giving unforgettable moments to both children and participants.