Entwined deeply to the city of İstanbul is its cornucopia of culture, history and exquisiteness that makes every step around the city one to cherish. The Turkish port city straddles the Bosporus Strait, resting in both Europe and Asia with ease – an intricate mosaic of traditions and customs, the city’s aura of spirituality is enlivened during the holy month of Ramadan. With prayer and worship a heartwarming constant, the spirit of festivities reigns as well, sprinkling joy throughout. In İstanbul, a sense of community lies at its heart and the celebrations are revelled in together: in the evenings after the call to the Maghrib prayer, İstanbulites gather in the city square where Iftar tables are set up to break their fasts.
Following the sighting of the crescent moon days prior, this year’s Ramadan has commenced, taking place until 9 April. Visiting İstanbul during this auspicious month is destined to be a one-of-a-kind experience – entitled Der-i Saʿādet (‘The Abode of Felicity’), the city has a plethora of wonders to offer and here are all the things that you can look forward to:
Timeless traditions.
A facet unveiled during Ramadan that is uniquely Istanbul are the centuries-old mahyas. Illuminated messages – usually of phrases from Islamic scripture, prayers, or lines of solidarity – are hung between the minarets of mosques, making this traditional Turkish Islamic art form a revered expression. With its advent on the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) in 1619, mahyas have since adorned mosques every Ramadan with utmost eloquence.
The wake-up call at Sahur time is yet another splendid ritual to witness for yourself: Ramadan drummers wander the streets, waking residents up with the beats of their drums before reciting beautiful poems lauding the holy month. The city’s tunes continue later in the day when the evening azan and the distinct sound of cannons beckon Iftar.
Air of spirituality.
Historical and holy sites are nestled around the city, many of which were erected during the Ottoman epoch. Ramadan is a wonderful time to explore these sites and dwell in the fascinating remnants of past civilisations. One such sacred site is the Sultanahmet Mosque, an imperial mosque renowned for the thousands of blue Iznik tiles and floral patterns that decorate its interior. An illustration of Ottoman architectural marvel, the mosque flaunts a central dome encased by four semi-domes over the prayer hall – a spacious courtyard lies before it while six ornate minarets bound the mosque. Other holy sites include imperial architect Mimar Sinan’s masterpiece, the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Tomb of Oruc Baba, an Islamic saint.
During Ramadan, you can visit the Hırka-i Şerif Mosque, which takes its name from a relic preserved in it: the mantle of Prophet Muhammad. The mosque also houses Sakal-i Şerif, hairs from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad. The ancient residence of the Ottoman sultans, the stunning Topkapı Palace, is open to visitors as well and within it rests an interesting sight: the ‘Sacred Relics’ department (Kutsal Emanetler Bölümü), that exhibits numerous valuable artefacts, including articles said to have belonged to the Prophet Muhammad, his Companions and other Prophets of Islam, alongside the Kaaba’s golden gutter, the door and the keys.
Iftar delicacies.
When Iftar arrives, families and friends break their fast with a sip of water and simple dainties such as a date or an olive. The fast-breaking session then shifts to the array of flavourful Turkish delicacies; a staple dish is the Ramazan pidesi (Ramadan pita bread) which is available exclusively during Ramadan, inviting long queues outside bakeries for this wholesome food. Another must-try is the popular Turkish sweet dish, güllaç, that comprises a milky pudding with rose water.
İstanbulites relish communal Iftar meals, echoing their belief that Ramadan blessings and a collective spiritual pleasure are felt deeply at these events. The city is also home to countless restaurants, both modern and traditional, that offer curated Ramadan menus of delectable spreads.
Lively arts.
The delightful spirit of Ramadan fills the air of İstanbul through the ever-vibrant arts and entertainment. Upon the evening Taraweeh prayer, events such as poetry recitals, Sufi musical performances and traditional the Turkish shadow play Karagöz and Hacivat add lustre to the public squares of Sultanahmet and Feshane. Made popular during Ottoman times, the play revolves around two friends, the naive, comedic Karagöz and the kind, intelligent Hacivat, and their conversations and adventures.
As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, İstanbul dives into the festive affairs of Eid. Following the morning Eid prayer, the city’s favourite tradition is touring its vast expanse, right from the palaces to the historical sites. For a complete experience of İstanbul, shopping is an absolute necessity, with places like the iconic Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar topping the priority list.
The ideal destination to discover this Ramadan, the city of İstanbul guarantees visitors an experience with memories and meaning in abundance.
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Images provided by Turkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency.