Indispensables of Ramadan

Every society has its own habits and traditions. These traditions, which keep the society together, play an important role in our society as well. Ramadan, in which we can feel these traditions deeply, and that helping and solidarity in the society come to the fore; It is also a month when people are more tolerant. When Ramadan is mentioned, warm pitas, dates, gullacs, manis sung to the accompaniment of drums and many other traditions come to mind. Have you ever wondered about the history of these traditions? In this article, we have compiled a brief history of the classic traditions of Ramadan for you. Here are the birth stories of these traditions that excite us every year:

• Ramadan drummer: The drummer, who roams the streets at night by playing the drums and singing mani at the time of sahur, is a tradition that has remained from the Ottoman Empire. The absence of alarm clocks or smartphones at that time reveals the necessity of the Ramadan drummer. Today, this tradition, which only reminds us of the past, is banned in some municipalities on the grounds that it causes noise pollution.

• Ramadan pita: The name of pita, which is another indispensable part of Ramadan, comes from the Greek word “pita”. In the past, special bakers used to produce Ramadan pita, which is also a tradition from the Ottoman Empire, so much so that masters came from Kastamonu for this. The production of pita, for which we are in long queues today, was not for everyone in the past. Pita, which was produced specially for Ramadan in those times, still maintains this feature now and unfortunately makes us wait for eleven months.

Those who want to try it at home can follow the Ramadan Pita Recipe. can be accessed here.

• Date: Dates have countless benefits to the body. Especially when fasting is opened, dates consumed both balance blood sugar, reduce fatigue and facilitate digestion. Dates are one of the few foods mentioned in the Qur'an. That's why it is considered sacred and continues to decorate the iftar tables with its many benefits.

• Gullac: The history of Güllac, which enthroned the hearts, dates back to the 1400s. At that time, phyllo dough made from corn starch was first dried and then eaten by soaking in milk and sugar. Güllaç was also a very popular dessert in the palace because of its lightness. For this reason, it is preferred today, especially in Ramadan.

Those who want to try it at home, go to Güllaç Recipe. can be accessed here.

• Compote: Compote, which is made from dried fruits and is appreciated by people with its sweetness, also has an important place in the Ottoman Palace Cuisine. There was even a head of compote in Helvahane where desserts were made. Today, it is widely consumed during Ramadan because it meets the need for water and sugar.

Those who want to try it at home can subscribe to the compote recipe. they can be accessed here.

Author: Büşra Cengiz