Kandil

Kandil (from ) refers to five Islamic holy nights, celebrated in Turkey and Muslim Balkan communities, related to the life of Muhammad, when the minarets are illuminated and special prayers are made, a tradition dated back to the Ottoman Sultan Selim II of 16th century, who, with the support of the shaykh ul-Islam of the time, thought it was appropriate to light up the minarets on mosques for these blessed occasions. The name "Kandil" derived from the Arabic "qindīl" meaning "chandelier" or "candle". The "Kandil nights" play a less significant role than the Bayram festivals.
In Turkey there is a special smaller form of simit commonly sold.