Favored city of great civilizations and empires, Istanbul at certain seasons is the scene of festivities among the many religious communities that make up her rich cultural mosaic. December is the month when Catholics and Orthodox Christians celebrate one of their two most important holidays, Christmas. Christmas in Istanbul is celebrated differently by the Greek Orthodox, the Armenian Orthodox and the Armenian Catholics.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER
We learn about Christmas dishes prepared by Istanbul’s Greek Orthodox community from Sula Bozis’s book, Istanbul Lezzetleri. Istanbul Greeks begin their Christmas preparations far in advance. The principal feast is on New Year’s Eve, when both hot and cold ‘mezze’ appetizers are customary. Those that can be made outside the home are procured from special shops in Galata and Balik Pazari.
The most interesting among them incorporate the Cappadocian-style Anatolian ‘pastrami’ popular especially with Turks and Armenians.