Thousands of people of many locals and tourists braek fast together as Ramadan’s tradition at the Sultanahmet square district this year, flocking to the area and bringing their own food.

The Sultanahmet square, home to famed Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia is crowded by many people willing to break their fast on the benches of the park and on any spots found on the grass.

Residents and tourists flocked to the Istanbul’s historical peninsula at the end of the first day of Ramadan, enjoying a spectacular atmosphere created by the mosques and the scenery on a very hot Istanbul summer day.

Istanbul Sultanahmet : Meeting point for Ramadan fasting festivities

Large numbers of people came to the Sultanahmet square again Monday although a decision was made to move official festivities to nearby Beyazıt due to concerns that visiting tourists would feel uncomfortable and that the old city’s historical artifacts could be damaged by the crowds in Ramadan.

Anna Tobbinhouse, a visiting tourist from England however, say she did not feel uncomfortable at all as people were fast-breaking and perform the obligations of their religion. “London where I came from is also a multi-religious city; people are respectful to each other.”

Tourists : Istanbul offers amazing atmosphere enhenced by Ramadan’s presence

Francisco Hidalgo, from Spain, stated that he was amazement at the sight, people waiting for the call to prayer in order to break their fast and added he was genuinely impressed by their dedication. ”I could never fast for so long. But i won’t forget this amazing experience ”

While street vendors sold “gözleme,” a Turkish-style pancake, or corn, others in traditional clothing sold Mesir paste, a type of Ottoman candy, to customers waiting to break the fast.

“Some tourists also brought alcohol and potato chips to the area for the street fest,” said a passer-bye, adding that she saw many non-Muslim tourists sitting together with Muslims and breaking the fast.

Tourist agreed that Sultanahmet was a beautiful area where people could find historic, cultural and religious artifacts in the same place mixed with beautiful scenery and atmosphere.

Concert stages were built at every corner of the neighborhood, allowing musicians to perform and entertain the crowds with Sufi music, also central to the the whirling dervishes, Turkish classical music and nasheeds.

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