Within the cultural and civilizational sphere of Iran, identifying these shared themes is not difficult. Although some of them have changed over time and their connection to Iranian cultural-civilizational roots has been forgotten or obscured, a brief exploration can still reveal these common links and rediscover their intertwined origins.
One such example is Yalda, the last night of autumn and the longest night of the year. It possesses such deep historical and cultural roots that its presence extends beyond the borders of modern Iran into large parts of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. This vast region corresponds to what today forms the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). With various expressions, colors, and narratives, this tradition can be identified across this broad cultural-civilizational space. The customs of this night are known sometimes as “Yalda,” sometimes as “Chelleh” (the forty-day winter period), and in some places by other names.
In this region, Yalda is not only an ancient celebration but also a symbol of civilizational connection and a reminder of the shared history of its peoples—a history that has favored light over darkness, hope over anxiety, and endurance over the passing of seasons.
In some countries, this tradition has been fully preserved; in others, it appears in similar forms of celebration; and in a few, it survives only among cultural minorities.
Origins and Importance of Yalda
Iran is considered the primary birthplace of this celebration, and Yalda remains one of its most magnificent national traditions. In ancient Iranian culture, the lengthening of daylight after the longest night of the year was seen as a sign of the sun’s return and the resurgence of forces of goodness. This worldview is reflected in Mithraic beliefs, Zoroastrian traditions, and even folk tales. Thus, Yalda is not merely a calendrical event but a mythological symbol that extends from ancient cultural layers to the present day. Family gatherings, poetry recitation, pomegranates and watermelons, readings of Hafez, and traditional storytelling continue to keep the spirit of Yalda alive.
But Iran is not the only place where this tradition exists; the geography of Yalda extends far beyond today’s political borders.
The importance of Yalda can be examined in three dimensions:
1- Cultural and historical identity
2- Its role in social cohesion and family bonding
3- Its potential as a shared cultural brand in the ECO region
Afghanistan: A “Chilla” as Vast as a Shared Culture
Afghanistan preserves one of the most authentic and closely related continuations of Yalda culture. In this country, Yalda is celebrated under the name “Shab-e Chelleh” or “Great Chelleh.”
In cities such as Herat, Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Bamiyan, this celebration is widely observed. On Yalda night, people read poetry and mythology, especially the works of Hafez, Rumi, and Bidel, and in some areas, elders of the family narrate old stories and local legends. A special prayer is also recited, where everyone raises their hands while the family elder leads the prayer, and others silently pray for their personal wishes.
It is believed that those who begin winter by eating summer fruits will not fall ill during the cold season. Therefore, eating watermelon is one of the most important traditions of this night. Pomegranates, placed at the top of fruit baskets, symbolize the cycle of life, rebirth and generational renewal. The red outer skin of the pomegranate represents birth or the rising sun, while its bright red seeds symbolize the light of life.
Tajikistan; Chilla-e Kalan and Chilla-e Kuchak
In Tajikistan, Chilla is one of the living and authentic elements of the country’s cultural identity. Many Tajik cultural researchers consider it part of the “Eastern–Iranian identity” of the people of this land. The presence of this tradition among Tajiks reflects the natural and historical continuation of the region’s shared culture. In this country, the beginning of winter is known as Chilla-e Kalan, followed by Chilla-e Kuchak, which includes the coldest days of winter.
In some villages, older people cover window edges with sheepskin and hang leather from ceilings, while scattering wheat in courtyards. On Yalda night, Tajiks perform divination rituals to predict events of the coming year. In Tajikistan, especially in rural areas, people believe that each person should eat a whole pomegranate on this night, as it is thought to heal all illnesses.
Setting up winter tables, poetry recitation, family gatherings, preparing dried fruits and nuts, performing traditional music, reading the poetry of Rudaki and Ferdowsi, and telling folk stories are among the common customs of Tajik people on the night of Chilla.
Azerbaijan; Chilla Night, a Tradition Between Iran and the Caucasus
In the Republic of Azerbaijan, Yalda is known as Chille (Chilla Night). This celebration is still held in some urban areas, especially in the southern regions of the country, where cultural ties with Iran are stronger.
The Chilla celebration in Azerbaijan is a blend of Iranian traditions and Turkic culture. It is an example of the historical interaction between the peoples of the Caucasus and Iranian culture, and its importance in shaping regional identity is significant.
Most Azerbaijani people eat Chille watermelon (Chillə qarpızı) on Yalda night and believe that by eating watermelon, the cold and chill of winter will not affect them and they will not feel the winter cold at all.
During Yalda season, ashiqs perform. Ashiqs are local minstrels whose music and poetry come from folk traditions. During their performances, they tell stories, improvise poetry, and play instruments. The stories they narrate on Yalda night are rooted in ancient Iranian legends. Famous tales such as “Koroghlu” and love stories like “Gurbani and Pari” are among their well-known narratives, filled with patriotism, moral lessons, respect for elders, and educational values for children as future men and women.
In the past, Chilla-night snacks were limited to seeds, pashmak (cotton candy-like sweet), jujube, dried apricots, almonds, and walnuts. Today, however, the Yalda table in Azerbaijan includes a variety of festive nuts such as pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds, and walnuts, as well as tropical fruits like oranges, tangerines, and even bananas and coconuts. This tradition shows that Yalda also holds cultural significance among Turkic-speaking cultures of the Caucasus.
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Central Asia
In Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the name Chilla is still alive.
Although its form varies by region, in many cities and villages families still gather on the longest night of the year and prepare winter foods. These celebrations are part of the historical memory of Central Asian peoples, reflecting their shared past. These rituals are more rural and traditional rather than official or urban.
In Uzbekistan, Yalda is less prominent than in Tajikistan or Afghanistan, but its cultural presence is still visible. Preparing winter foods such as local soups, family gatherings, poetry recitation, and telling heroic and mythological Turkmen stories are part of this night.
Turkey; Nardugan and the Rebirth of the Sun
Nardugan is conceptually similar to Yalda, as both refer to the return of light. However, there are differences in content and form of celebration.
Although there is no direct celebration called Yalda in Turkey, an ancient tradition called Nardugan (meaning “birth of the sun”) is found in ancient Turkic culture.
Like Yalda, this festival is associated with the winter solstice and focuses on the rebirth of light. Nardugan shows that even in non-Persian cultures of the region, the idea of the beginning of light and the end of darkness has long-standing significance.
Its features include celebrating the increase in daylight, lighting fires or lamps, decorating trees (similar to ancient Turkic rituals and some European traditions), and gathering to eat special winter foods.
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan; Traces of Winter Beliefs
Among Kazakhs and Kyrgyz people, although there is no direct festival like Yalda, rituals related to the longest night of the year and sun-return celebrations (such as Kök-Tuma) have roots in ancient beliefs, though their scope today is limited. These traditions reflect a shared human perspective across different parts of the world toward natural phenomena and the effort to give meaning to seasonal changes.
Pakistan; Yalda among Persian Speakers
In Pakistan, Yalda is not a national tradition, but in regions such as Gilgit–Baltistan, Quetta, and among the Hazara and Persian-speaking communities, the night of Chilla is observed. The use of the word “Chilla” among Persian speakers in Pakistan mainly reflects the historical influence of Persian language and literature in the country. Persian foods and poetry recitation in these regions show how an ancient tradition has been transmitted into daily life through language and culture.
Classification of Yalda in ECO Member States
For a clearer analysis, the countries can be divided into three categories:
1- Countries with a fully living Yalda tradition
Iran – Afghanistan – Tajikistan – Azerbaijan – Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan
2- Countries with related but not identical traditions
Turkey (Nardugan) – Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan
3- Countries with limited observance among minorities
Pakistan
Conclusion
Yalda or Chilla is not just a single night; it is a narrative of the shared history of peoples who have lived alongside each other for centuries, whose stories of light and darkness are interconnected.
From Iran and Afghanistan to Tajikistan, from Azerbaijan to Central Asia, the night of Yalda reminds us that cultures continue beyond borders. The spread of this tradition offers valuable potential for regional cooperation, strengthening cultural interaction, and showcasing the shared heritage among ECO member nations.