MUSLIMS in Turkey began fasting on June 18 for the holy month of Ramadan, when most of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset.

While Ramadan starts for many Turks on June 18, the first day of the fasting differs in several Arab and African nations, which will start their fasting after the new moon is sighted. Sighting the new crescent moon is essential for the start of any month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Fasting, held from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, is one of the Five Pillars (fundamental religious duties) of Islam. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion.

Ramadan is also a time of increased religious observance and socializing, with families sharing rich meals after sunset, followed by gatherings with friends or neighbors. 

During Ramadan, which will continue for 30 days, Muslims must abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex from sunrise to sunset.

Welcoming the holy month of Ramadan, pious residents in Istanbul are expected to fill mosques to perform Tarawih prayers, an extra prayer specific to Ramadan, according to the practices of the Prophet Muhammad, which is performed by Muslims following the obligatory night prayer known as ‘Isha.

The historic Blue Mosque and the Eyüp Sultan Mosque are the two most symbolic spaces for these prayers during Ramadan in Istanbul.

Throughout the course of the fasting month, Muslims are urged to perform extra prayers, recite the Quran, give alms to the poor, and refrain from misbehavior. Ramadan ends with the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr.