Iftar in Sultanahmet brings thousands around table


Ramadan is joyful when it's shared with loved ones and others. Every year, the abundance of Ramadan, the holiest month of Islam, is celebrated by people who come together around iftar tables that are set up in streets and town squares. One of the most iconic mass iftar tables in Turkey is the one in Sultanahmet Square where the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia stand.

Yesterday, the year's first mass iftar table hosted around 30,000 people. After the iftar participants broke their fast, the Quran was chanted and the Ottoman Military Marching Band gave a live concert that fits the soul of the historical peninsula of Istanbul.

Iftar tables set in Sultanahmet Square during Ramadan have been a tradition since 2006. Every year, the Fatih Municipality celebrates Ramadan with iftar tables and various Ramadan-related activities and events for Istanbulites and tourists that want to experience the joy of this month.