It's a tradition to buy one and pay twice in Türkiye 1
At the local bakery in Göztepe, near Kadıköy, Istanbul, all baking processes are carried out in the vicinity of the wooden oven.
The gift of ekmek (bread) is of particular importance in Türkiye because in the Islamic faith, bread sustains and protects life, and is therefore sacred.
That is the form of `Pay it Forward` or buy one and pay twice, originating from the hundreds of years long tradition of the people here – Askıda ekmek (hanging bread).
People do not know exactly when the idea of Askıda ekmek began, although it is believed that this tradition is closely tied to local culture and religion.
From giving bread, the concept of Askıda ekmek expanded to give away free meals, concert tickets, movies, books, newspapers… Photo: Claudia Wiens/Alamy.
According to the prophet Muhammed, bread is nimet – a blessing sent from God.
White bread is baked twice a day in this country, and people often have a basket containing fresh sliced bread for every meal.
Ottoman sultans took advantage of the people’s respect for bread to easily rule and attract loyalty.
Today, the spirit of Askıda ekmek is continued to develop and expand in many different forms by the Turkish people.
Hanging bread is a beautiful image, showing the humanity of the Turkish people.
