Merhaba.  I was wondering if anyone could provide me with an explanation of Turkish wedding customs.  My Turkish fiancee and I will be marrying in the United States, however his family will be attending and I would like to incorporate Turkish traditions to the event.  Unfortunately my finacee seems to know nothing about Turkish wedding customs as he is always trying to avoid going to weddings!     I have seen photos of his sister´s wedding, and he and his brother tied red ribbons around her waist, but he has no idea why they did this.  Could some one please provide some commentary on modern Turkish wedding traditions.  Thanks!

Check these topics:

http://www.turkishclass.com/forumTitle_31209

http://www.turkishclass.com/forumTitle_17843

http://www.turkishclass.com/forumTitle_32042

To declare that the bride is maiden (virgin).

This is VERY important.  No Turkish man could bear the thought of their bride having had sex with another man.  The man, of course, is entitled to have had sex with as many women as he wants.

Male pride, jealousy and the throught that the bride might compare size and lovemaking skills, and find their husband lacking, are presumably the reasons for this bizarre tradition... 

Thanks so much for the info.  It would have been really funny to have the red ribbon tied around my waist while my 12 yr old son watched!  Guess we won´t incorporate that tradition

No, no, it is pure selfish gens speaking....