Evening Istanbul and Ramadan

Hi friends! The feast of the Holy month of Ramazan is in full swing. This evening we had a little time and we looked at the Central streets of Fatih to the Cathedral of St. Sophia and the Blue mosque. Let's see how the Holy month of Ramadan is going.  This year's Ramadan is held from may 16 to June 17, 2018. For a whole month Muslims are given maximum prayers, obedience, patience, grace and great lent. As the Quran says, the month of Ramadan is the time when Muhammad first received his revelations. The one who holds the post at this time is rewarded by the Almighty with great gifts. Muslims honor their traditions and do good deeds this month.  Even today, the city was deserted. It's usually a bit crowded. The weather is rainy today, but in Istanbul it does not scare anyone. Before the sun sets, Muslims gather at home or in Holy places. All together after sunset, after prayer, make a meal.  The coast guard is ready for dinner and waiting for the call from the mosques. The city administration takes care of people, a special service delivers food to the workplace.  In the center of Fatih bustling dynamic life! A lot of Istanbul and tourists.  Beautiful Saint Sophia. All of the lights.  A temporary cultural and exhibition centre was built near the Hagia Sophia. There is a huge number of books on various subjects for sale.  Representatives of the book business from all over Turkey came here.  Tourists are also not deprived. A wide variety of Souvenirs and jewelry.  In addition to spiritual books there is a wide range of fiction, children's and modern literature.  On the square with the fountain and everything around is littered with people.  Kids are not bored, and you can play ball.  The fountain in the square shimmers with all the colors, you get into a fairy-tale world.  Definitely felt the holiday spirit. The atmosphere is very warm and sincere. Even though there are a lot of people.  View from the Blue mosque.  I will tell you about the Muslim tradition, which is called iftar. Of course, the most important emphasis in the month of Ramadan is fasting and prayer. But no less important is the tradition of hospitality. Iftar is a great opportunity to invite guests, relatives and enjoy pleasant meetings. Turkish Housewives show their culinary skills. As a rule, always gather large families and lead a very long conversation, enjoying the food.  But not only domestic iftars are very popular in Turkey, but also street iftars. To a greater extent, they are manifested in Muslim holidays. Under the open sky going to a huge number of people. They get acquainted, treat each other and congratulate with a Great holiday. The photos show that all the lawns are filled with people. On TV on the holiday of Ramadan broadcast time of iftar, that is, when you can start the meal.  The parks next to The blue mosque are all filled to capacity. Even there is a queue of men for ablutions before prayers. Social services provide free food and drink every day. Somehow quietly stand in long queues. People stand for two or three hours to get food.  Everyone who is located on the lawns, come with their food. Some even spend the night at the walls of The blue mosque and Hagia Sophia.  It is a pity that my phone in the dark does not give clear images. On the side of The blue mosque along the square there are long tables and benches. All, very close rows are located on the street iftar. They sit long enough. Traditionally-eating and tea ceremony. For social tea, too, you need to stand in line for a long time.  There is also a small stage. The children quickly found a use for it. Some people just talked comfortably, others jumped and danced.  Do not envy those days, the people who monitor the cleanliness. After the pandemonium and talk of high, remain mountains of garbage. That's how fun is the holiday of Ramadan in Istanbul! Photo taken on the iPhone 6S+