Ramadan and Fasting :
Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days. Due to lunar calendar, the start of Ramazan moves backwards by 10 days each year. Ramadan is not only about fasting. During Ramadan it is a must to get together with family and friends at Iftar times (breaking the fast). For Allah’s sake, we learn patience on all things, not only on food. We must not say any bad words, must not break hearts of anyone, one must clean the inner soul. Fasting also means one must think away from worldy things, and approach to Allah. Self-control, self-discipline, sacrifying and empathy for people with less facilities to eat. During Ramadan a Muslim must give certain amount of money to the poor.
During Fasting no food items go into mouth durıng the day. Not even drugs, no water, nothing. Starting from the twilight before sun rise (the first call to prayer) until the twilight after sunset, no food, drink, tobacco smoke, chewing gum or any other thing that involves the mouth is allowed.
Children until the age of puberty, pregnant women, women during the period of their menstruation, women nursing their newborns, and travellers, the elderly and people that are ill are exempt from fasting.
Iftar :
After sunset, with the evening call to prayer, the imam will give the go-ahead to break the fast (iftar). One can notice green lights appearing on the minarets. Iftar dinner is often enjoyed in group with family and friends.
During the daylight hours, it’s polite for Tourists not to eat not dirnk (and even smoke) on the streets or on public terraces. Try to do it inside establishments such as cafés. Restaurants are less busy at lunch, no problem even for locals to have lunch at restaurants during Ramadan.
After sunset, slow-paced Istanbul gets back into full swing with a carnival like atmosphere. Mosques are illuminated. Shopping districts will be alive. Restaurants will be packed with locals to break the fast. Tourists and non-Muslims are welcome to enjoy Ramadan nights.
Mosques may become crowded again after the last prayer because of Teravih namazı, a very frequently performed prayer, added after last prayer time during the Ramadan. It ıs best to do ıt together with the community at a mosque.
Typical Ramadan iftar dinner is accompanied by “Pide” bread and typical Ramadan dessert ıs “Gullac” whıte starch sweet wıth milk, hazelnuts, pomegranade pieces. It is quite light sweet dish and extremely tasty.
