While some asserting it originated in the Mesopotamian and Anatolian cultures, others claim that the seasonal festival has its roots in the pre-Islamic Central Asian Turkic culture and belief.
It is believed that Hidrellez is the day when prophet Ilyas (Elijah) and Hizir (al-Khidr), a major spiritual figure, who are affiliated with the elements of land, water, fire and earth -- meet on earth.
It is also believed that Hizir and Ilyas are able to meet all the demands of the people, so they write their wishes on a paper and throw them to a sea or river.
Hidrellez has been added to the UNESCO list of "intangible cultural heritage" in 2017.
