Arnavutköy Prepares for a Month of Ramadan Celebrations
ISTANBUL, (DHA) – Arnavutköy Municipality is gearing up for a vibrant Ramadan season in 2026, promising a month filled with spiritual enrichment, cultural events, and community solidarity. The district aims to immerse its residents and visitors in the profound spiritual atmosphere and the spirit of togetherness that defines Ramadan.
The extensive program encompasses everything from communal iftar dinners to cultural and artistic presentations, special workshops for children, and various social support activities. Mayor Mustafa Candaroğlu extended an invitation to all Istanbul residents, encouraging them to experience Ramadan in Arnavutköy.
Traditional Iftar Tables to Unite Thousands
Central to the celebrations are the traditional iftar tables, which will be set up daily in Arnavutköy City Park and Hadımköy Station Square. These communal meals are expected to gather thousands of citizens, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience.
Mayor Candaroğlu emphasized the significance of the holy month: “Ramadan is the most beautiful time for sharing, solidarity, and coming together in hearts. In Arnavutköy, we will experience this spiritual climate all together across our district. We have made thorough preparations, from our iftar tables to cultural and artistic programs, children’s activities, and our Ramadan Bazaar. I invite all our fellow Istanbul residents who wish to fully experience Ramadan to Arnavutköy.”
Ramadan Bazaar to Offer Traditional Atmosphere
A special Ramadan Bazaar will be established opposite Arnavutköy Central Mosque, offering a traditional Ramadan ambiance. The bazaar will feature products and goods specific to the holy month, allowing residents to immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
Cultural and Artistic Gatherings in the Evenings
Ramadan evenings will be enriched with a variety of cultural and artistic events. These include Sufi music concerts, poetry recitals, talks, and hymns, designed to deepen the spiritual experience of the month.
Special Ramadan Talks for Women
To further enhance the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan, the Women’s Culture and Art Center will host special Ramadan talks exclusively for women. These gatherings aim to provide a platform for women to come together, share experiences, and collectively embrace the peace and sharing spirit of Ramadan.
Rich Program for Children
The joy of Ramadan will also be brought to children through a comprehensive program. This includes traditional games, puppet shows, musical theater performances, and animation shows. Art workshops will allow children to both have fun and learn about the cultural heritage of Ramadan.
Beyond iftar meals, post-iftar programs will be held at various locations across Arnavutköy. Arnavutköy City Park and Hadımköy Station Square will host events for children and families after iftar, enlivening the Ramadan evenings. Additionally, programs at Vadipark Amphitheater and Karaburun Primary School will ensure that the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan, with content tailored for children, reaches every corner of the district.
Game World Tent and Ice Rink Add to the Fun
As part of the Ramadan festivities, a ‘Game World Tent’ will be set up in Arnavutköy City Park, offering various games and entertaining activities. Furthermore, an ice rink will be installed in the Ramadan event areas, providing a unique recreational option.
Book Street to Promote Cultural Heritage
A ‘Book Street’ will contribute to the cultural heritage of Ramadan by bringing together leading Turkish publishing houses and authors with the people of Arnavutköy. Traditional art workshops will introduce art forms such as ebru (marbling), calligraphy, and illumination, blending the spiritual essence of Ramadan with artistic expression.
A specially prepared Tea Garden and Taste Street in Arnavutköy City Park will serve as gathering places for families after iftar, offering spaces for conversation and enjoyable moments.
Spiritual Journeys with Mosque and Tomb Tours
Organized Mosque and Tomb Tours to significant religious and historical sites in Istanbul will allow citizens to experience the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan more closely. Historical places such as Eyüp Sultan, Sultanahmet, and Hagia Sophia Mosques will be visited.
Mosques Prepared with Rosewater and Amber Scents
In preparation for Ramadan, extensive cleaning efforts have been undertaken in the district’s mosques. To ensure that citizens can perform their worship in peace, mosques have been meticulously cleaned and specially washed with rosewater and amber scents. The aim is to maintain high hygiene standards throughout Ramadan and ensure the spiritual atmosphere is experienced in the most beautiful way.
Surprise Ramadan Gifts to Be Distributed in Neighborhoods
A ‘Gift Minibus’ prepared to share the joy of Ramadan with children will be one of the program’s highlights. This minibus will travel through neighborhoods during Ramadan, distributing various gifts to children.
Arnavutköy’s Ramadan will be a month full of iftar tables, cultural programs, children’s activities, an ice rink, a Ramadan Bazaar, play areas, a tea garden, a taste street, and social support activities. This organization, where the spirit of unity, togetherness, and solidarity will be strongly felt, will carry the spiritual climate of Ramadan to every corner of the district. The Ramadan event calendar can be accessed on the municipality’s website.
