Turkey's Istanbul shows Ramadan's cultural side

Folk dancers, poets and famed local and foreign musicians will perform in Istanbul during the month of Ramadan as part of efforts to embrace the cultural side of the traditionally family-oriented Muslim celebration that involves daily fasting and prayer, the Turkish Daily News (TDN) wrote on Monday.

The Istanbul municipality has planned events at three locations around the city that will host children's activities, panel discussions on culture and arts, as well as the opening of a museum featuring a panorama of the conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

Istanbul is organizing a number of events during the month of Ramadan from Aug. 31 to Oct. 2. under the banner of “Kandiller Yanarken”, (While the oil lamps burn), and all events will be free of charge.

This year marks the third year the municipality has sponsored events celebrating Ramadan.

The festivities will take place in three locations: Feshane, Topkapi Culture Park and Baglarbasi Culture Center, which is a restored train station with a museum featuring the history of Istanbul Transportation, according to the report in the TDN.

During the 33days of events, the three locations will host a number of panels, exhibitions and activities for children, families and people from every segment of society.

The panels will focus on the cultural side of Ramadan rather than a factual approach, Huseyin Ozturk, head of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's cultural and social affairs department, told TDN.

“We aim instead to focus on the artistic side of Ramadan,” he said. “It is the duty of the Department of Religious Affairs to inform the public about Ramadan.”

Musicians from outside Turkey, such as the Bosnian Bedem Hymn Group, the American Group Debu and the BEZAD Folk Dance Group will travel to Turkey to participate in the festivities.

Additionally, the famous muezzin, Muslim imam who calls people to daily prayers, Ahmet Naina from Egypt will also give a Quran reading. Many famous Turkish singers, such as Ozdemir Erdogan, Ahmet Ozhan, Nihat Dogan will give concerts. Apart from that, famous poet Sunay Akin will perform poetry readings.

Ozturk said one of their purposes is to present the meaning and the feelings behind Ramadan. Ramadan promotes brotherhood and friendship; thus the organizations are open to every member of society, including non-Muslims, Ozturk added.

The organizers plan to house guest musicians with host families in Istanbul, and non-Turkish-speaking visitors will be accompanied by interpreters.

As part of the organization, the Mahmut II Saloon will also host an exhibition of items such as food, clothing, and traditional cloth, which will appeal to Turkish and foreigners visitors alike.

The newly opened “Conquest Museum” in the Baglarbasi Culture Center will also open its doors to visitors. The museum features a panoramic presentation of the conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

The General Directorate of Istanbul Sea Buses, or IDO, is providing free ferry transport to the events from the ports of Uskudar, Besiktas and Eminonu.