7 Ramadan traditions that remind us the holy month has arrived
In our culture, traditions related to the month of Ramadan are quite numerous and continue to be practiced from the past to the present. These traditions are so old that today only the eldest members of families may fully remember their origins. Every child who has grown up in Türkiye knows these Ramadan customs closely and recalls those memories with a smile. Although some have diminished over time, the spirit of this blessed month remains unique. So let us indulge in a little nostalgia! Here are 7 traditions that remind us that the month of Ramadan has arrived.
01) MAHYA
A mahya (a kind of lightning) is an art form in which messages expressing Ramadan are written with oil-filled lamps strung between the twin minarets of mosques. This tradition has been passed down from the Ottoman era to the present day. In earlier times, the arrival of Ramadan was announced to the public in this way. Today, mosques enlightened during Ramadan continue to reflect the joy and spiritual atmosphere of the holy month.
02) RAMADAN DRUMMER
Undoubtedly, one of the oldest and most cheerful Ramadan traditions is the sahur drummers. This tradition is unique to Turkish and Islamic culture. In earlier times, throughout Ramadan, a group including the Ramadan drummer would walk through the streets, reciting traditional Ramadan rhymes in turn. Today, although they may walk alone, they continue to enliven the night with their drums and verses.
03) IFTAR CANNON
The tradition of firing a cannon at imsak and iftar times began during the reign of Sultan Mustafa III at Rumeli Fortress. It later spread throughout the country. Today, cannons are still fired in cities to announce the evening call to prayer and inform people that it is time to break their fast.
04) KARAGÖZ HACİVAT
In earlier times, celebrations and fairs were organized during Ramadan. This tradition continues to be maintained in some cities and regions today. Squares would be transformed into fairgrounds, and various entertainments would be held until the end of the tarawih prayer. Although the tradition of watching Karagöz and Hacivat shadow plays has begun to fade, it is still kept alive through various events.
05) PİDE QUEUES
One of the most delicious foods that reminds us of Ramadan is undoubtedly pita bread. Although it is produced in bakeries and pastry shops throughout the year, during Ramadan people enrich their tables with warm pita bread instead of regular bread. This flavour, which has survived from the past to the present, makes its presence known with the long queues forming near iftar time.
06) GÜLLAÇ
Another sign that Ramadan has arrived is the appearance of güllaç in bakery and pastry shop windows. Güllaç is a lightly sweetened rice wafer made with milk. It is decorated with nuts, pistachios, pomegranate seeds and seasonal fruits. This wonderful dessert that sweetens Ramadan tables makes the arrival of the holy month even more evident.
07) OLIVES & DATES
Breaking the fast with olives and dates is one of the oldest Ramadan traditions. This custom continues today and remains among the essentials of Ramadan tables. The history of all these Ramadan traditions that continue today actually dates back to the very beginnings of Islam.
