Buzz
Happy Ramadan – Ramadan Mubarak is the joyful greeting exchanged among Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. You'll appreciate the serenity during the day and the vibrant atmosphere in the evening, with charitable activities and prayers taking place across all Muslim communities during this time.
Happy Ramadan – Ramadan Mubarak is the joyful greeting exchanged among Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. You'll appreciate the serenity during the day and the vibrant atmosphere in the evening, with charitable activities and prayers taking place across all Muslim communities during this time.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai, renowned as a tourist haven for its beauty, extravagance, and long-standing allure, becomes even more captivating during the month of Ramadan.
Being a tourist hub, Dubai's authorities regularly organize events to ensure the smooth observance of Ramadan, aiming to educate about the significance and importance of this tradition.
You'll find delight in the slight disruptions to everyday life here. The time of Iftar (when dining activities resume in the evening after sunset) is often announced by a resounding... cannon.
This is the time when you'll discover dining venues for Ramadan known as Ramadan Majlis (Arabic tents). Despite the name, these are exquisitely arranged dining spots in the Arabic style, complete with Persian rugs and cushions, catering to Muslim devotees for Iftar after their prayers, found within hotels or purpose-built structures.
In Dubai, a tourist paradise, services for those not observing Ramadan are even more abundant than elsewhere. You should join the locals to try Harees, a boiled wheat paste mixed with finely minced lamb stuffed into a piece of wood.
Istanbul, Turkey
The ancient city of Istanbul, the capital of Islamic culture in the Ottoman Empire, remains a sanctuary for Turkish Muslims to this day. Local authorities support the construction of Ramadan tents where Muslims and non-Muslims alike can sit together to commemorate this sacred holiday.
The city's public spaces are fantastic places to explore at night. As there will be plenty of literature about Ramadan scattered everywhere, and various open-air markets with traditional snack stalls, religious books, and decorative items. Puppet shows and folk dances performed on the streets truly create a festive yet reverent atmosphere.
To experience the faith of Muslims, don't miss out on Istanbul's famous mosque – Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, named for its blue tiled walls and sky-blue interior.
There are countless traditional foods to try during Iftar: Kahvaltı – traditional breakfast, Sucuk – spicy beef sausage, Yufka – flatbread, Kavurma – braised lamb, Simit – sesame seed bread.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ramadan in Malaysia is renowned for its markets and food stalls offering a variety of dishes from traditional snacks to Malaysian specialties and tempting sweets. This rich culinary scene also stems from the diverse and colorful cultural heritage of this country. Travelers have plenty of opportunities to mingle with locals and may even be invited to their homes. In addition to food, the evening Iftar features various traditional folk dances performed on the streets.
Explore enticing dishes that travelers should try:
Bubur Lambuk – rice porridge cooked with meat, potatoes, coconut milk, typically prepared in large pots and served free to everyone during Iftar.
Nasi dagang, a delicious dish made from glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk, fish curry, and various ingredients such as fried grated coconut, eggs, and vegetables.
Fes, Morocco
The ancient city of Medina in Fes is also a hub of Islamic culture. Today, within the ancient walls of the city, there is a modern and vibrant life. You can visit Al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest university in the world, and numerous mosques to experience the unique religious diversity. Families gather in public squares, come together for Iftar meals, and watch street performances. Similar to Dubai, the sound of a cannon signals the start of Iftar.
Must-try dishes include: Sellou – sesame and almond-flour cookies, Chebakia – sesame-coated fried pastries drizzled with honey, B’ssara and Harrira – bean soup with shredded meat and chickpeas, Tagine with couscous – a rich variety ranging from lamb cooked with dried plums to chicken cooked with raisins and cranberries.
Cairo, Greece
This legendary city is a meeting point of ancient cultures, leaving behind incredibly distinctive cultural legacies. During Ramadan, Cairo's streets are adorned with traditional Ramadan lanterns, decorating everything from homes to restaurants and cafes. These lanterns are lit at the time of Iftar, marking the end of a day of fasting.
After Iftar, they spill out onto the streets, market areas, making the atmosphere lively. Tourist attractions in Cairo remain open throughout Ramadan and only close to prepare for the Eid Al Fitr celebration. The festive atmosphere flooding the streets will leave tourists exhilarated. Additionally, Cairo's characteristic Islamic architecture is particularly appealing during this Ramadan month.
Must-try dishes: Mahshi – Mixed rice-stuffed vegetables; Atayef – Pancakes filled with cheese, nuts, syrup, and honey; Konafa – Cake made from flour with sugar, nuts, honey, and raisins.
Note
Should
Engage in local festivals, mingle with the natives, and share the Iftar time with them. Show patience and respect for the special customs of Muslims during this month. Familiarize yourself with the regulations as Ramadan is observed rigorously in many places. Plan ahead for dinner, where dining options fill up quickly. Unless there are health issues, consider trying out Ramadan to experience the locals' beliefs.
Avoid
Avoid wearing shoes, revealing or provocative clothing, short skirts, or shorts to temples. Refrain from taking photos of people praying. Avoid speaking loudly or walking in front of people engaged in worship.
Posted by: Thương Nguyễn
Keyword: Exploring the Muslim Lands during Ramadan
