Ramadan in Istanbul
Country of the Week
Whilst preparations for the month long celebrations start weeks in advance. A sure sign that Ramadan has started is when the Mahya, a pattern of light bulbs hung high above the minarets of the main mosques, lights up with the message 'Welcome! Oh month of Ramadan'. The tradition of the Mahya dates back from the Ottoman times and its religious message is changed every few days, each one exhorting and encouraging people toward goodness.
With the Istanbul municipality having completed its preparations to turn the city into an entertainment centre during Ramadan, there are lots of activities to keep everyone, the young and the old, entertained from Suhur to Iftaar. In fact many restaurants stay open 24 hours during this month to cater for the hundreds of visitors out and about soaking in the festive atmosphere.
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Places to Visit
The main festivities are centred around the magnificent Sultan Ahmet Mosque (The Blue Mosque) and the Cultural Centre. The Sultan Ahmet Mosque gardens turn into impromptu picnic areas with families coming from afar to spend the day in the surrounding courtyard and complex. The courtyard houses an Islamic book fair, with over 50 publishers offering various titles alongside CDs, and other religious accessories.
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There is a definite family atmosphere and finding families sipping tea for hours on end waiting for Suhur is not unusual.
The Cultural Centre meanwhile has its own special Ramadan guide detailing all the goings on throughout the month. The carnival atmosphere is more `Eid-like with concerts from the likes of Sami Yusuf, Debu and traditional Turkish ilahi (nasheed) performers every evening. The grounds swell with candy floss sellers, puppet shows, roller coasters, charity collectors and performances by Ottoman janissary bands. The atmosphere is very joyful.
In the district of Eyup mosque, it lies the graveyard of the Prophet's Companion Abu Ayyub Al Ansari; it is one of the most religious sites of Istanbul. Visitors pay their respects throughout the year and the area surrounding the tomb and the mosque is crowded everyday of Ramadan.
Iftaar Tents
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Similar to the 'Tables of Mercy' seen in Egypt during Ramadan, municipalities here set up 'Iftaar Tents' which serve food to thousands of people everyday.
Iftaar time in Istanbul is definitely a time to avoid being out especially in traffic as the hungry drivers jockey for space on the jam-packed streets and fight to get home before the Adhan.
Another thing to try is the bread queue which often extends out into the streets; as Turks try to time their purchase of steaming Ramazan pie to coincide with the Adhan. This delicious flat bread is definitely best eaten warm, however standing in the queue is only for those with enough energy left as the fast comes to a close.
Ramadan TV
Unlike some middle-eastern countries which see an increase of soap operas in Ramadan, television in Turkey sees an abundance of religious and Ramadan related programmes. Suhur meal can be enjoyed whilst watching "Sahur Zamani" live show from Sultan Ahmet mosque with its mixture of Sufi music and popular Turkish nasheeds .
Waiting for Iftaar in the company of "Nihat Hatipoglu" on Star TV is a popular pastime as viewers are encouraged to call in with their various queries related to Ramadan in particular and religion in general. Even Kral, the local 24 hour music channel, has a special Iftaar session which shows only religious music videos.
So as Turks enjoy the festivities on offer around this wonderful city, a timely reminder is offered by a respected scholar from the splendid Topkapi Palace grounds on one of the many Iftaar programmes.
Ramadan, with its celebration of `Eid, is like this world and the Paradise of the hereafter. One can only enjoy and deserve the celebration of `Eid after having observed Ramadan in its true and recommended spirit, just as one only gains and enjoys Paradise having lived in this world on the straight path.
We ask The Almighty to make us from amongst those who truly earn the celebration of `Eid as well as the infinite Gardens of Paradise.
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