Istanbul shows Ramadan's cultural side

Saturday, August 30, 2008

ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

Folk dances, poets and famed local and foreign musicians will perform during the month of Ramadan as part of the municipality's effort to embrace the cultural side of Ramadan, a traditionally family-oriented Muslim celebration that involves daily fasting and prayer. Three locations around Istanbul will also 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 August 31 to October 2. Under the banner of �Kandiller Yanarken�, (While the oil lamps burn), all events are free of charge.This year marks the third year the municipality has sponsored these events celebrating Ramadan. The festivities will take place in three locations: Feshane, Topkapı Culture Parc and Bağlarbaşı Culture Center, which is a restored train station with a museum featuring the history of Istanbul Transportation. During 33days of events, the three locations will host a number of panels, exhibitions and activities for children, families and people from every part of society. The panels will focus on the cultural side of Ramadan rather than a factual approach, said Hüseyin Öztürk, Head of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's cultural and social affairs department. �We aim instead to focus on the artistic side of Ramadan,� said Hüseyin Öztürk, Head of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's cultural and social affairs department. �It is the duty of the Department of Religious Affairs to inform the public about Ramadan.�Musicians from outside of Turkey, such as Bosnian Bedem Hymn Group, American Group Debu and BEZAD Folk Dance Group will travel to Turkey for the festivities. Additionally, the famous muezzin, (Muslim imam who calls people to daily prayers) Ahmet Naina from Egypt will also give a Koran reading. Many famous Turkish singers, such as Özdemir Erdoğan, Ahmet Özhan, Nihat Doğan will give concerts. Apart from that, famous poet Sunay Akın will perform poetry readings. Öztürk said that 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 the non-Muslims, Öztürk added. The organizers plan to house guest musicians with host families in Istanbul, and non-Turkish-speaking visitors will be accompanied by the interpreters.The events will also include the exhibition of items such as food, clothing, traditional material, which might appeal to Turkish visitors and foreigners alike. This exhibition will take place in the Mahmut II Saloon. The newly opened �Conquest Museum� in the Bağlarbaşı Culture Center will also open its doors to visitors. The museum features a panoramic presentation of the conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

The three locations of the events can be accessed by the public by using ferries from the ports of Üsküdar, Beşiktaş and Eminönü. These boats are provided by the General Directorate of Istanbul Sea Buses, or İDO, free of charge.