Ramazan (Ramadan) hails as the month of fasting for devout Muslims, and likewise, one experiences a different time in Turkey than what would be seen at other times of the year. Routines and practices change for the society during the fasting month.
What I experienced nine years ago during this time has also changed due to the changes in the country. It is an odd scene to me and to my friends and colleagues because they see the differences occurring too.
Where at one time you would never see someone on the street eating, drinking or smoking in view of anyone during Ramadan, now it has become more common to see and may even show deterioration of tradition. I feel I should give respect to those with practices or traditions other than my own; however, sometimes I feel that even individual Turks do not care to do so. They may believe it is not a modern thing to do—to practice a religion or to fast for God. This idea of modernity I cannot accept.
Today, I want to tell you why I love Ramadan and maybe you, too, can give reasons to love this special time of the year to appreciate your Muslim friends who practice the tenets of the their religion. Maybe when you see my reasons to love Ramadan, you will say it is for the wrong reasons. That's okay because we can all count the ways according to our own views.
1. I love when ifthar arrives and there's this time everyday where almost all is quiet and traffic no longer hums. It's a good time to think and give pause to meditate.
2. I love to see the homes and restaurants filled with people who are breaking bread together and for a few moments everyone greets one another in peace. We can do the same by calling a friend or a family member to ask forgiveness.
3. I love to see the restaurant owners send their waiters to give someone less fortunate in the street a tray of food. We need to make a special point to give something to those less fortunate.
4. I love it when I get invited to dinner with my friends and share in their customs and traditions. I get to learn something more about Turkish life and how they celebrate their religion. Can we not all learn something by breaking bread with others?
5. I love it when I see the dolmus drivers buy bread and share it with those breaking their fast while riding on their dolmus. It gives me hope for humanity. Give him a special greeting used just for Ramadan.
6. I love it when even a stranger will invite you to their home for ifthar. It's a time to cherish for bonding with those different from ourselves and learn more about the goodness in society.
7. I love to see how businesses invite their employees to a special ifthar dinner where they break out all the trimmings and may even provide some special entertainment. It offers a time for employees and employer to commune.
8. I love it when people give just a little more respect to each other by not eating, drinking or smoking on the streets because their fellow citizens are fasting. Let's respect traditions and/or religious practices of others.
9. I love it when my neighbors inquire after me because I am alone during Ramadan. Do you know someone who needs your attention?
10. I love it that people have a time they commit to doing small kindnesses remembering that Ramadan is a time for doing something for their God and also for mankind. Can we think to do this all year long?
Take time today to be thankful for all the good reasons Ramadan offers for forgiveness and thanksgiving.
Happy Holy Ramadan to all my readers and friends!
Extraordinary article Congratulations
Posted by: Haluk Direskeneli | Monday, 15 September 2008 at 02:45 AM
I came across your page by chance and have enjoyed it ...love your snippets from Istanbul - cok hasret kaldim
I too have a long love affair with Turkey dating back to 1979 ....
Lord of Ramadan - Enjoy !
http://tv.muxlim.com/video/QfshfdI02oJ/Lord-of-Ramadan-Cotu/
Posted by: Jan Ozay | Monday, 01 September 2008 at 01:38 PM