Cayda Cira

Like many Turkish folk dances, Cayda cira is performed during weddings. Cayda cira is a story of bride being taken away from her parents to her new home with her new husband. The dance begins with the bride being "lost" and the wedding party searching for her by candlelight. Once the bride is found, the celebrations continue on to the wedding ceremony. A henna ceremony is performed for the bride at night, where the dancers form a large circle around the dancer holding candles on plates. The henna and the candles represent protection. There are separate henna ceremonies held for the bride and groom. The tradition varies in different regions. For instance, in Arapkir, only the women who are happy in marriage may perform the dance with lighted candles.

This dance form originated in the city of Elazig, in central-eastern Turkey.

Performed at henna-painting celebrations and weddings.

Cayda Cira is performed by both men and women, either separately or together.