The first day of Ramadan in Istanbul is welcomed with centuries-old traditions. Before dawn, sahur tables are set; families gather together and make a blessed start accompanied by prayers. Throughout the day, a calm atmosphere prevails in the city streets. As people continue their fast with patience and spiritual peace, Istanbul’s historical fabric deepens the spirit of this special month.
As the evening call to prayer approaches, excitement builds. As a tradition dating back to the Ottoman era, the sound of the Ramadan cannon announces the time for iftar. This sound echoes in Sultanahmet Square and in different neighborhoods of the city. Iftar tables are not just about food; they are symbols of sharing, unity, and solidarity. The tables set up in Istanbul’s mosques, squares, and homes reflect the city’s cultural richness and hospitality.
Ramadan Cannon
Historical records indicate that the first iftar cannon was fired in the 1800s at Anadolu Hisarı in Istanbul. It is said that the practice quickly spread to different parts of Istanbul and then throughout the Ottoman Empire.
This practice, which began as a way to announce iftar time to the public in an era of limited technological capabilities, has become one of the symbolic traditions of Ramadan over time.
As tradition dictates, the army fires cannons in the Sultanahmet Roman Hippodrome area of Istanbul to announce iftar time. Cannons are also fired at suhoor and iftar times.
Locals and foreigners curious about this event arrive hours in advance to wait for the Ramadan cannon to be fired.
