Traditional Crimean Tatar girls’ party “Hna geje” in the Islamic Cultural Center of Simferopol

It was on March 13, 2013 that the conference hall of the Islamic Cultural Center in Simferopol hosted the thematic party devoted to the Crimean Tatars’ premarital ceremony “Hna geje” (“evening of henna“), arranged by the Women’s Public Organization “Nur” jointly with the Youth Organization “Yashlar Sedasy”

This girls’ party may well be named as popular one, as its participants were more than hundred and fifty girls and ladies: female students, university lecturers, activists from youth organizations and women per se representing the gentle sex, willing to dip into fantastic and miraculous traditions of their people.

According to the Holy Koran, a marital union between man and woman is an important commandment of the Most High, which fulfillment allows one to attain Divine mercy and grace, and perceive joys and advantages of family life.

Charming atmosphere of premarital fuss in bride’s home

Wedding is not a mere marriage but a series of memorable rituals existing with the Crimean Tatar people. One of the most beautiful and old observations of Crimean Tatars , which is being revived today, is the night of putting henna to beautify bribe’s hands and foots .

The organizers did their best to reproduce the magic atmosphere prevailing in bride’s home, to make each young girl in the conference hall feel a participant of this charming night. The guests could get acquainted with the wedding tradition and its details but also participate in a quiz devoted to wedding ritual and beautify the hands with Oriental designs made by use of henna.

Show of wedding garments in the national style and the most beautiful bride

The party was formally opened with the show of wedding garments in the national style from Mrs. Mayre Lyumanova, a well-known Crimean Tatar dress designer, whose works really charmed the audience.

Its closing was not less ceremonial. It was ended with summing up the contest “The most beautiful Crimean Tatar bride – 2013” for the best wedding photo picture in the national style. The winner was Mrs. Zarina Umerova; Ms. Niyara Janbazova became the most gender bride of the year, and Ms.Arzu Abiltarova became the most modest bride.

Men were waiting in the yard

Smells of Oriental perfumes, Crimean Tatar songs and dances, beautiful garments and guests’ smiles could really beautify “Hna geje”.

It was a genuine girls’ party, as there were no men in it except for a cameraman and representatives from mass media. Yet, the yard of the Islamic Center was full of men waiting for sisters, brides, wives or mothers to take them home.    

The most impressive and splendid moments were shot by Mr. Ismail Nebiyev. This professional cameraman had earlier cooperated with “Nur” by taking part in the exhibition “Crimea in camera lens”.