فهرست مطالب
We will tell you everything you need to know about Ramadan in Turkey. History, traditions, activities.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of fasting, prayer and reflection. Ramadan lasts for 29-30 days depending on the moon cycle. This year, Ramadan starts on April 2th and ends on May 2th in Turkey. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from dawn to sunset.
Importance of Ramadan in Turkey
Ramadan is an important time for Muslims because it’s a time for spiritual reflection and renewal. It’s also seen as a chance to cleanse oneself from sin, gain self-discipline and practice self-control.
It is also time to read the Qur’an, pray more, do good deeds, and give charity.
The benefit of fasting is that it helps build patience and discipline, as well as a sense of solidarity with people who are going through difficult times.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are five religious duties that every Muslim must perform.
Qadr Night
Qadr Night, also called Laylat ul-Qadr, is one of Ramadan’s final ten days. On this night, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had the first verses of the Holy Qur’an read to him as a guide for all the people.
As a result, Ramadan is an excellent time to reflect from your sins and seek forgiveness and the assistance of Allah (SWT). It is also known as the night when your destiny for the coming year is sealed.
During Ramadan month, hell is closed. During this time period, the devil is kept away from people. As a result, people gain the advantage and opportunity to have a more clear mind and a more pure soul. This is simply a night of prayer, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, and visiting the Mosque for the Muslims.
If you pray on Qadr Night, you will receive more benefits than if you devote a thousand years to worship and devotion. On this Qadr Night, good deeds performed with sincerity are as good as good deeds performed over a thousand months.
“You cannot attain During the month of Ramadan the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance to the people with Clear Signs of the true guidance and as the Criterion (between right and wrong). So those of you who live to see that month should fast it, and whoever is sick or on a journey should fast the same number of other days instead..”
The Holy Qur’an [2:185]
Ramadan Preparations in Turkey
Cleaning the houses is among the very old Ramadan traditions. Care is taken to keep every house clean during Ramadan and during the festive period. Cleanliness means abundance. Meals are handled with particular care. Plates, bowls, pots, cutlery, glasses are cleaned well.
Dinnerware that has not been used before is removed from their hiding place. Priority is given to personal items that are not used in daily life.
The covers, serving mats and even ablution towels to be used on the tables are cleaned and brought to the public. In short, everything is done to make the house look more magnificent, more attentive and sparkling.
While welcoming the month of Ramadan, kitchen shopping is done collectively. Large purchases are made to procure food supplies that will be needed throughout the month. Families with good financial status also do this shopping for those who are poor.
It is believed that the month of Ramadan will bring festivity to all tables and bring blessings to poor houses.
Traditions at Ramadan in Turkey
Hanging Ridges on Mosques (Mahya)
Mahya is the art of writing, which is written with oil lamps filled with olive oil between mosques with double minarets and expresses Ramadan. This tradition has reached the present day from the Ottoman Empire.
In ancient times, the arrival of Ramadan was announced to the public in this way. The mosques, which shine brightly during Ramadan, continue to reflect the enthusiasm of the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan Drummers
One of the oldest and most cheerful of the Ramadan traditions is undoubtedly the sahur drummers. This tradition is unique to Turkishness and Islam.
In the old days, during the month of Ramadan, Ramadan drummers used to walk around the street with a few people, and they would sing Ramadan mani in turn.
Even though he travels alone nowadays, he continues to cheer up the night with his drums and sing mani.
Mani Examples
For Welcoming the Ramadan
Good luck to all of us
Happy days to us
Sultan of eleven months
Welcome to our home.
For Farewelling the Ramadan
We thank the Lord,
We fasted.
We are waiting for you again,
Farewell Ramadan.
Ramadan Entertainments in Turkey
After the fasting all day, the meals that are eaten with pleasure and the festivities begin after the tarawih prayers. These entertainments, which last from evening to sahur, are quite enjoyable.
The coffeehouses under the mosques are overflowing, where foamy Turkish coffees are sipped by the crowd. This chat environment, which starts with the iftar with the crowded family and friends, continues until the sahur.
Excited to watch Karagöz-Hacivat plays, children run around the streets.
Even if you don’t go out, people gather at home and listen to the stories told by the elders.
Eid meals are prepared within the scope of Eid-al-Fitr activities by gathering in neighbor houses or relatives’ houses. Baklava and sarma are cooked.
Teeth Rent tradition
A tradition dating back to the Ottoman Period is teeth rent. People who have high incomes and are called “rich” give a kind of feast in their homes. They open their tables with a variety of dishes to the public.
The guests coming to these houses are called the guests of Allah and are greeted with great excitement. Even before the guests leave the house, gifts or gold coins are presented in a purse. Because it is believed that these guests will bring rewards to the hosts.
Cannon Firing at Iftar Time
This tradition; that is, throwing a ball at imsak and iftar times Sultan III. It started in the Rumeli Fortress during the reign of Mustafa. Then it spread all over the country. Today, cannons are fired in cities to announce the evening prayer and to inform people about the time of fasting.
Fairs and Festivities
In the past, events such as festivals and fairs were held in Ramadan. This tradition is still alive in some cities and regions today. The squares were turned into fairs, and various entertainments were held until the tarawih prayer was over. Even though the tradition of watching Karagöz and Hacivat plays is about to be forgotten nowadays, this tradition is continued with various activities.
Iftar Tent
The large tent set up for Muslims to break their fast during the month of Ramadan is known as an iftar tent. They are located at strategic points throughout the cities. Municipalities, associations, foundations, and philanthropists cover the costs of iftar tents.
In the tent, free food is served. Thousands of people eat the same meal to break their fast. People feel a sense of belonging and equality as a result of this.
Ramadan Packages
During the month of Ramadan, which Muslims consider to be the holy month, Ramadan packages are a convenient way to obtain basic food supplies at a lower cost. In this way, you can find all of the foods and drinks you’ll need for Ramadan in these boxes.
The most significant benefit of Ramadan package is the ability to purchase products that can be purchased separately at higher prices, together at lower prices. It is possible to reduce the amount of time spent on shopping in this manner.
Ramadan packages come in a variety of sizes and contents. These boxes, which can be preferred for personal use, are used for charitable purposes; they are also frequently purchased by workplaces, associations, and foundations.
Many businesses have made it a tradition to provide food to their employees during Ramadan. If Ramadan packages containing high-quality brand products and offered for sale at reasonable prices are preferred, many people will be able to meet their needs without difficulty.
What is Included in the Ramadan Package in Turkey
The products included in Ramadan boxes can range from general to special needs. As a result, there is no restriction on the products that can be included in the Ramadan parcel. Tea, pasta, sugar, and rice are commonly included in each parcel.
Ready-made soup, pudding, and Turkish coffee are also included in the parcels for a perfect Ramadan iftar table. Packages are classified into basic, mega, medium, large, and luxury categories based on people’s consumption habits and budgets. Products such as soda, tuna, and fruit juice are available in luxury packages. Some Ramadan packages include cleaning supplies as well.
Staying Connected with Family and Friends at Ramadan
Ramadan is a time for Muslims to focus on their faith and spirituality. It is also the month of fasting where Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset.
But it’s not just about the physical act of fasting, Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reconnect with their family and friends.
It’s important that Muslims stay connected with their loved ones during Ramadan. This can be done through social media, phone calls, or even in person visits if there’s enough time.
Ramadan in Turkey for Children
Children enjoy various activities during this holy month of fasting, like games, drawing competitions, and storytelling sessions.
How do Childrent Fast at Ramadan in Turkey
Tekne Orucu (Tekne Fast), a centuries-old tradition, is held in order to instill the joy of Ramadan in children. The word tekne comes from the arabic word of تنمية which means ‘development‘. At the same time, people with health issues and the elderly can fast on a tekne.
Tekne fasting, which is an ideal fasting method for the elderly and children who cannot bear being hungry and thirsty for long days, is essential for keeping the Ramadan spirit alive.
Tekne fasting, which is a great way for young children to experience the excitement of Ramadan with their families during Ramadan, allows children to fast without compromising their health.
To avoid health problems during the Tekne fast, children and the elderly can consume food and water at noon.
They can get into the Ramadan spirit by eating sahur and iftar with their families. During the boat fast, eating at noon does not break the fast.
Gifts for Children Fasting for the First Time
The first fasts of children, who are considered to be religiously sane, that is, who have taken their first step into puberty, are met with great interest.
Children who will fast for the first time are given special gifts and shared at iftar.These gifts, which encourage and support children in fasting, are a very effective way to explain the importance of Ramadan.Thus, children can become more attached to this culture and worship.
In the choice of gifts, the meals or snacks that they crave during the fast are usually effective.
Special Foods for Ramadan in Turkey
Ramadan Pide
Pide is one of the most delicious foods that remind us of the month of Ramadan. Although it is produced in bakeries and patisseries every month of the year, people enrich their tables with warm pides instead of bread in Ramadan.
This flavor, which has survived from the past to the present, is evident with the long line of people who wants to buy pide that close to the time of iftar.
Güllaç
One of the things that reminds us that the month of Ramadan has arrived is the Güllaç that takes its place in the windows of bakeries and patisseries.
Güllaç is a sweet dessert made with milk and low in sugar. Pistachio, pomegranate and seasonal fruits are decorated on it. With this wonderful flavor that sweetens the Ramadan tables, it can be understood more clearly that Ramadan has arrived.
Iftar With Olives and Dates
Having iftar with olives and dates is one of the oldest Ramadan traditions. This tradition continues today and is among the must-haves at Ramadan tables. The history of all these Ramadan traditions, which continue today, actually goes back to the beginning of Islam.
Where to Visit at Ramadan in Istanbul
Many important Islamic structures can be found in Istanbul. In this case, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular places to visit in Istanbul during Ramadan.
Sultanahmet Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, with its six minarets, is one of the most visited mosques, and it does not deviate from this tradition during Ramadan.
This mosque, built at the request of Sultan Ahmet I by Mehmet Aa, is an architectural treasure adorned with Iznik tiles.
Visitors to the Blue Mosque, which is one of the most important parts of the view of Sultanahmet Square, can attend the massive iftar tent in this square and partake in iftar with the crowd.
Furthermore, in the following hours, you may have the opportunity to perform the tarawih prayer with the congregation.
What is the Best Way to Get to the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is a 5-minute walk from Sultanahmet Station on the T1 line, which runs along the Baclar-Kabataş route.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque, which was built at the request of Suleiman the Magnificent by Mimar Sinan when he was 85 years old, and which he later described as “my journeyman’s work,” is of great importance as one of the buildings that best reflect Ottoman architecture.
When viewed from above, this mosque, which also has a complex with additional services such as a madrasah, bath, and library, provides an incredible visual feast.
Mimar Sinan meticulously calculated every detail in the mosque, which is the result of his incredible intelligence.
How to Get Suleymaniye Mosque
The M2 Metro line can take you to the Suleymaniye Mosque, which is close to the Tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent and Hurrem Sultan.
Eyup Sultan Mosque and Tomb
Hz. Eyüp Sultan built the Eyüp Sultan Mosque in 1459 and the Eyüp Sultan Tomb in the same garden. It belonged to Abu Ayyub El-Ansari, who distinguished himself by his ability to host Muhammad.
The Eyüp Sultan Tomb, which is frequently visited, especially during Ramadan, is of particular significance because it is overflowing during morning prayers.
How to Get Eyup Sultan Mosque
Buses departing on the Eyüp route can take you to these two holy buildings, which are located on the Golden Horn side and stand out with a plane tree that has been in its garden for centuries and a fountain whose water is considered sacred.
During the month of Ramadan, the mosque and tomb, which are cleaned with rose water every day, welcome visitors at all hours of the day.
Oruc Baba Tomb
Oruç Baba, a poor dervish, got his name by breaking his Ramadan fast with dry bread and vinegar.
Oruç Baba Tomb is frequently visited, particularly during this blessed month, because the person known as Oruç Baba is also known for volunteering for the food and water he distributed to soldiers during the war.
Visitors to Oruç Baba Tomb who intend to have their first iftar here should bring vinegar and bread.
It is believed that those who break their fast here on the first day of Ramadan, along with other visitors, have their prayers accepted.
It is critical to share the foods believed to be fertile on the first and last days of Ramadan with other visitors at Oruç Baba Tomb, which is easily accessible by tram. Because it is believed that the products shared here, such as vinegar and bread, will bring abundance. Because people hope to receive a small portion of Oruç Baba’s blessings, who has spent his entire life living this way.
How to Get Oruc Baba Tomb
The Marmaray line Üsküdar Station can take you to the Oruc Baba Tomb.
Ramadan Timing in Turkey 2023
There is a 76-minute time difference between east and west Turkey. The iftar and imsak times in different cities during Ramadan differ due to the time difference. We shared the Ramadan calendar for Istanbul in 2023 for you.
How to say ramadan mubarak in Turkish
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