Christmas spirit in Istanbul evoked in festive markets

Beneath the chapel's high wooden ceiling are 25 tables lined up. People conversing move from one table to another to the sound of traditional Christmas tunes, many holding a cup of hot chocolate in their hands, buying all kinds of handmade jewelry, drawings, sweets, toys and knitted accessories. 

Handmade Istanbul Holiday Market, which last weekend was hosted at the St. Helena Chapel, is just one of the many Christmas markets that have been popping up in the city throughout the season. 

"Before there was only a few Christmas markets in Istanbul, but now more and more events are happening - and this year there seems to be more than ever before," said Catherine Bayar, the organizer of the market. 

Bayar is an American who has lived in Istanbul for 18 years. She stood behind a table filled with hand-knitted scarves and beanies, and spoke of her background as being a clothing designer and an inventor of the community Handmade Istanbul, a group for Istanbul-based artisans, crafters and markers "who do things the old-fashioned way."  

It is the group's third Christmas market, which this year is supporting the St George Hostel for United Nations' registered refugees. 

The market is "much more about the spirit of Christmas and not about Christianity," Bayar said.

"It is about helping those, who need it the most, as well as creating a space where people get together from all kinds of cultures and backgrounds," she added. 

Turks open to Christmas traditions 

According to Bayar, the Christmas markets are not just for foreigners, it shows that a lot of Turkish people seem to have adopted the Christmas culture into their homes. "I think it is good to share our cultures. The more we learn, the...