Welcome, Ramadan — Sultan of Eleven Months!

Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar and the last of Islam's three sacred months. It is also the most blessed month of our faith, because our holy book, the Quran, began to be revealed during this month. The "Night of Power" (Laylat al-Qadr) — more blessed than a thousand months — also falls within this month. And of course, the act of fasting is observed during this blessed month as well. For these reasons, Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims, and it has been called "the sultan of eleven months."

Our Traditions…

Our Holy Book, the Quran

One of the reasons that makes Ramadan so precious is that our holy book, the Quran, was revealed during this month. Allah the Almighty declared in the Quran: "Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity and as clear proofs of guidance and the standard to distinguish right from wrong." (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185)
The Quran was sent by Allah to counsel people and show them the right path. Reading the Quran is an act of worship. Our Prophet encouraged people to read the Quran so that we may frequently remember the duties and responsibilities Allah has communicated to us. For this reason, twenty pages of the Quran are read every day in homes and mosques. By the end of Ramadan, the entire Quran will have been read from beginning to end. This is called completing a "khatm." A khatm prayer is then performed. Muslims have continued this tradition for centuries.



The Night More Blessed Than a Thousand Months

The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) is known as the 27th night of Ramadan. The Quran began to be revealed on the Night of Power in the month of Ramadan. Allah the Almighty has declared that the Night of Power is "better than a thousand months." Our Prophet also said: "Whoever observes the Night of Power with faith and in hope of reward, his past sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari) In this way, he emphasized the importance of this night.

Fasting Brings Good Health

Regarding fasting — one of the fundamental acts of worship in Islam — Allah the Almighty commands in the Quran: "…Whoever witnesses this month, let them fast…" (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185), thus making fasting in the month of Ramadan obligatory. For this reason, Muslims fast during Ramadan. The month of Ramadan is a month of fasting, worship, and patience. It is the month in which Allah's doors of mercy and forgiveness open without limit. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) has informed us that sincere prayers, acts of worship, and good deeds performed during Ramadan are more highly valued in the sight of our Lord.



The Ramadan Drum and Our Folk Verses

The Ramadan drum and the unforgettable folk verses (mani) that linger on everyone's lips are among the traditions that have become synonymous with Ramadan. The purpose of this tradition is to wake those who wish to fast in time for the pre-dawn meal (sahur). The Ramadan drummer and a few volunteers walk together through the streets, singing folk verses to the beat of the drum. When the end of Ramadan comes, they go door to door collecting their tips.

Our Abundant Iftar Tables

Of course, one of the most widespread Ramadan traditions is our famous iftar tables. At the iftar meal — which begins with the firing of the Ramadan cannon — the fast is typically broken with olives, dates, or water. Throughout Ramadan, every neighborhood bakery puts out Ramadan Pide (Ramazan Pidesi — special flatbread). During this month, you can spot people lined up in queues outside bakeries waiting for their pide. And of course, there is one more gem that makes iftar tables truly special — a wonderfully delicious dessert unique to this month: Güllaç (a traditional milk-soaked rose water dessert made with thin wafers). Without this special dessert, Ramadan just wouldn't feel complete…



New Ramadan Traditions

With the support of local municipalities, iftar tents are set up where people can break their fast together. Ramadan festivities are organized especially in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul. From young to old, everyone enjoys a wonderful time in Sultanahmet — which stays lively until the pre-dawn sahur hour — thanks to Ottoman-style candy makers and ice cream vendors. Many companies print and distribute Ramadan prayer timetables (imsakiye) as a special gift for the month. Television channels produce special Ramadan programming. Supermarkets prepare and sell special Ramadan gift packages.

“The ant does not go hungry because it is weak.
Nor does the lion fill its belly by the strength of its claws alone.
Sustenance belongs only to Allah.
He gives little to some and much to others, yet He tests them both.
From those given little, He asks patience; from those given much, He asks gratitude.
A person lives on a line drawn between intention and destiny.
May our Lord make our intentions righteous and our destiny full of goodness…”

May Ramadan, the Sultan of Eleven Months, Bring Abundance, Blessings, and Happiness to Our Country and to the Entire World.
Welcome, Ramadan…