Understanding Ramadan in Cappadocia, Turkey

Mosque in Selcuk

Turkey is considered the "birth of civilization" as we know it today.  In Cappadocia, where I am right now, representation of both Christian faith and Islam faith goes back many centuries.  Pilgrimages are made by many religious groups each year to get closer to the roots of their faith.

Ramadan (also known as Ramazan), is celebrated by Muslims worldwide each year. The date the celebration begins is determined by the Islamic calendar and this year (2016) it begins after sunset on June 6th.

During the period of Ramadan, many Muslims observe full fasting from the time the sun rises until it sets.  They don't even drink water during this time period each day. Many also attend prayer 5 times a day, even though they might not follow the custom the rest of the year.

To give some perspective, many Christian groups celebrate religious holidays by fasting for periods of time, for instance during lent.  Of course the biggest celebration for Christians is Christmas, which has to do with the birth of Jesus Christ and Easter, the death of Christ.

The bible is connected with the Christian faith.  Some Christians follow the old testament, some the new.  Celebrations often go on for the whole month of December leading up to Christmas.  There are pagents and musical presentations and Salvation Army kettles collecting for the poor.

But for many countries that are predominately Christian, the major holidays have become more retail driven. It is still considered a time of giving and charity worldwide though, even for those without strong beliefs.

Ramadan celebrates the time of the first revelation of the Quran when it was given to Mohammed.  It takes place in the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.  Like Christians, many Muslims are strong believers of the Islamic faith while some have moved away from their faith.

Younger people tend to question both the Christian beliefs and Muslim beliefs nowadays.  Visiting a place like Turkey definitely gives people, young and old, a chance to reflect upon "what was and now is."

I was told the night before Ramadan starts families and friends get together and have celebrations and feasts.  It brought to mind Christmas Eve celebrations in the Christian communities.

The most important thing during the month of Ramadan is giving and charitable work, making sure all people are fed, clothed, and have shelter.  Isn't this the same in the Christian community, especially during the month of December?

It would be nice if the whole world could be generous year around and accept our similarities rather than our differences and celebrate both in peace and just give back to those who need it.

Ramadan, as is Christmas, a good time to reflect.