Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Ramadan in Konya

Ramadan in Konya

The city of Konya is the place where the best examples of Seljuk cuisine and iftar traditions are experienced. As with all other values, there has been almost no change in the cuisine and Ramadan culture, although centuries have passed. This is a situation that comes to the fore especially in the plain villages of Konya. 


We wanted to talk about the old and new iftar meals and Ramadan traditions of Konya, one of the precious cities with the richest culinary culture in Anatolia, in these days when we are experiencing the joy of Ramadan with pleasant sounds. In ancient times, Ramadan was a month of worship from beginning to end just like now.



Preparation for Ramadan 


Preparations begin fifteen days before Ramadan arrives. Houses are made of white lacquer. All items are whipped, wiped, and cleaned. Because people will be tired during the month of Ramadan, these things are done beforehand. Then it starts with the preparation of the foods to be eaten in Ramadan. Almost every household prepares noodles. The neighbours prepare the noodles of every house as a group. Then the young girls of neighbour houses and some relatives come together and prepare noodle for each house every day. When the noodle is finished, “çetnevir” (nuts) is eaten. And then the neighbours come together and bake bread together.


Ramadan Life in Konya


When it is time for iftar in the evenings of Ramadan, family and children eat all kinds of iftar meals together. After the meal, the elders perform the tarawih prayer every evening in a mosque in the city. In predawn meal, apricot compote is eaten with phyllo bread, noodles, vermicelli and rice pilaf. Of course, katmer and wrap are among the pre-dawn meal. Drink plenty of water after pre-dawn meal. Mouths are washed, lie down. During the day, the elders go to the sermons to the mawlids.


Feast of Ramadan 


A few days before the eve, preparations start. Houses are cleaned and swept. The meal is eaten after the men who go to the preparations for the feast on the eve of the feast arrive. Children, women and men wear their festive clothes. Fest candy has already been bought. Candy is served to those who come, and they celebrate the feast together. Entertainments and visits continue until the last day.