Fatih Mayor Mehmet Ergün Turan stressed the district's deep connection to Ramadan: ‘Throughout history, Ramadan has always been observed in a special way in Fatih. Visitors from all over Turkey and beyond come to see our mosques and prayer halls. We are making our preparations accordingly. The Fatih municipality makes sure that all 360 mosques in the district receive a special cleaning before Ramadan.’
This dedication to cleaning and preparing mosques is not limited to Istanbul. In Bursa, the Great Mosque, known for its Ottoman architecture and historical significance, has also undergone cleaning and maintenance. In Şanlıurfa, a city with deep religious roots, local authorities have stepped up efforts to clean and disinfect mosques, ensuring that worshippers can perform their prayers in a pure and safe environment.
Ramadan is a period when Muslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk, dedicating themselves to prayer, reflection and community. In Turkey, this holy month is celebrated with a number of traditions that enrich the spiritual experience. One of these is the ‘Mahya’, a special form of Turkish art that involves hanging luminous banners with messages between the minarets of mosques that have more than one minaret. These messages often welcome Ramadan or convey Islamic teachings, illuminating the nights and creating a festive and reflective atmosphere.
In addition to the cleaning of mosques, Turkish cities are transformed during Ramadan. Restaurants, which remain quiet during the day due to fasting, come alive in the evening. Many establishments offer special iftar menus, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. In the courtyards of the great mosques, such as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque in Istanbul, book fairs are organised where major religious publishers present their latest publications, encouraging reading and knowledge during this special month.
Solidarity and charity are also fundamental pillars of Ramadan in Turkey. Historically, during the Ottoman Empire, pashas and government ministers would open the doors of their homes to offer iftar to the public, allowing the less fortunate to share a meal. Today, this tradition is kept alive by the setting up of tents in the main squares of cities, where free meals are offered in the evening, reflecting the spirit of community and generosity that characterises Ramadan.
Night prayers, known as Tarawih, are another highlight of Ramadan. These additional prayers are performed after the last prayer of the day and bring together large numbers of worshippers in mosques. The 27th night of the month, known as the Night of the Decree, is especially significant, and the mosques become even more crowded, with people spending the night in vigil and prayer, seeking divine blessing and forgiveness.
Preparing mosques for Ramadan involves not only physical cleansing, but also spiritual renewal. Communities join in these efforts, reflecting the importance of purity and preparation of both body and soul for this holy month. These collective actions strengthen community ties and enhance the significance of Ramadan as a time of reflection, renewal and unity.
