With Ramadan starting on the 19th Februay this year, Vildan and I headed to the mosque this morning — joining many others for prayers on the last Sunday before the holy month begins.
I decided to tag along to experience the atmosphere, the sense of community, and the quiet anticipation leading into such an important time.
In Turkey, Ramadan is widely observed through fasting from sunrise to sunset, increased prayer, and gathering with family and community for evening meals called iftar. It’s also seen as a time for generosity, reflection, and strengthening social bonds.
It felt really special to be there and witness how meaningful this period is for so many people.
In Turkey, a sermon in a mosque is usually called a hutbe (from Arabic khutbah). No loud chanting, just the act of prostrating during prayer, which is called sujūd.