Iftar in Istanbul

That is the "breaking of fast during the Ramazan " in Arabic. Since about 98% of Turkey's populations are Muslims, there is a very noticable difference to the city as compared to normal days. Understandably, it is rather quiet and the streets are surprisingly empty. Its almost miraculous to see the street not jam-packed and traffics are smooth flowing...if only Ramazan could be here longer!!

Since Turkey practices secular Law, there really is no rules or law stating that you can't eat or drink in public places during the day time. However, everybody is advised to show respect and tolerance to the Muslims who are fulfilling the 3rd pillar of the Islamic requirement. Although the cafes, restaurants and other eating places are open during the day, mostly people would just sit for a chat or to play tabla, their backgammon. Its rather strange to see them standing outside their shop without the usual tulip cay (tea) cup in their hands! And...to be honest, I could swear that the the drivers are more tolerant and there really was less hooting at the traffic light and elsewhere. Its amazing what Ramazan can do in Istanbul. Apart from the hunger and thirst that they must endure, they too must exercise more self-control in their behavior, thoughts, speeches and to increase good deeds.

Iftar starts at about 8.30pm and the Imsak ( when you can't eat anymore) starts at 4am. Bosphorus (my neighborhood) was my first stop for the Iftar and I was in for a very pleasant surprise !! Okay...less talk from me and more pictures for you.....

one of the cami (mosque) in my neighborhood...all ready  for the azan (call for prayers)..

almost all bread shops would be full with people queing...bread is their staple food and they will wait in line to get the freshest bread..hmmm....can you smell the freshly baked bread?

you can also have your iftar in one of many kebab shops....its a shame that this blog is not 4-D because at this moment, the whole neighborhood smells of rose-scented water...its sweet smell permeating everywhere and it really lift your spirit up...after almost 17 hours of no food or drink. I still see people smoking 'tho...i must find out whats their 'take' on smoking during Ramazan..??

next time...I'll join the line...maybe they have special breads for iftar....or..maybe they give out the bread for free ?? i won't be surprised if they did that. on normal days...they'll give out free breads to people late at night or they'll just hang them outside for some people to discreetly take them away...and you can still smell the rose-scented water.....

by the Bosphorus...its about 5 min. to iftar time and the die-hard anglers are still trying for the 'big' one !! this is a normal scene by the Bosphorus now (now that its warmer) and they now bring their family along so that they can have their iftar together in between waiting for the 'BIG' ones!!...

don't know why this part is deserted..maybe the fishes won't bite here....noticed the building in the background? thats the newly-completed Grand Tarabya Hotel.....its about the only hotel built exactly by the Bosphorus ....

its actually iftar time...but the anglers are still not budging.....but some are already putting away their rods (for a while) while they break their fast by the Bosphorus with their families.....

while the adults sat down to eat..the children will continue playing..after all, it is still school holiday...

noticed the people sitting on the lawn? they are all having a picnic by the Bosphorus for iftar.....its fun to watch as they have their feast with families and/or friends....while the children are oblivious to the fiasco..

noticed the 2 men to the left? they're busy attending to their mangal (BBQ) while the rest wait for the smoked meats and veges.....right smack in the middle of a 'Public Park'! In fact..there is a a sign board somewhere that says that 'Mangal' is prohibited but somehow for Ramazan...the rules are relax. In fact...you will see people having their mangal everywhere and they all have their iftar in their garden....outdoor. The weather is superb now (ave. 23C at night and 28C during day time) so..its almost a sin to have your iftar indoor.   Almost all my neigbors have their iftar in their garden or patio. i must be the only one sitting indoor and watching the telly while i eat.....sigh....

mangal (BBQ) by the pavement in the park....its serious business, i saw what they were BBQing....and they do look very delicious.......isn't that fun? all your families together, breaking your fast and by the beautiful Bosphorus as an added bonus! guys...if you want to envy somebody, envy these people..they do know how to live...in their simple and practical way....

quite a rare sight here.. a man with a skull head .....only during Ramazan.....Kemal Ataturk had banned the wearing of a Fez previously....and the wearing of scarves in the University and Public offices have only been been allowed recently..

noticed something here?? yes..as I've said previously, the MEN do all (well, almost) the cooking here..the men will prepare the food and they will do the cooking as well....how wonderful for the women of this country...anybody want to marry off your daughters to a Turk? or..even marry one yourself ?? you don't have to do the cooking,isn't that great ????

this family even invited me to join them for iftar....shhsh..i should have at least tried the yummy-looking meats...and forget about carcinogenic for once....they are really friendly and were sincere when they invited me....cok tessekuler...

brewing turkish cay (tea) by the pavement...what a beautiful tea pot or whatever. its stainless steel and looks like it has seen many generations before....now, i must try to get one of those..its soooo classic !! 

this group was lucky to have 'possession' of the benches for their iftar....what a wonderful family get together...

another family having their iftar......

of course...for those who prefer to have a normal iftar, these restaurants are just across the road...you still have the option of breaking your fast in an old ,boring, traditional manner....but where's the fun....????

now...would you rather have a picnic by the Bosphorus for your iftar with the yummy smell of the grilled meat......or would you have 'seafood' in a nice restaurant and instead look out to all those people having fun outside..??

Next Posting :  Iftar at Sultan Ahmet and The Grand Bazaar neighborhood !!