This article discusses the differences in iftar times during Ramadan in Turkey, highlighting a unique case in a village on the Black Sea coast where two communities are divided by a road but observe different iftar timings.
As Ramadan unfolds in Turkey, the nation experiences significant variations in the times for fasting and breaking the fast. Due to its extensive geographical spread of nearly 800,000 square kilometers, the country exhibits noticeable differences in sunset and prayer times across its provinces. For instance, in Sanliurfa in the southeast, the iftar time is at 6:20 PM, whereas in Istanbul, it occurs about half an hour later, reflecting the almost 950 kilometers of distance between the two cities.
This year, a particularly remarkable story comes from the Black Sea coast, between the provinces of Samsun and Ordu. Here, a unique demographic divides two villages by a mere 7-meter-wide road. On one side lies the village of Ambar Tepe in Samsun, and across the street is the village of Sin Tepe in Ordu. Both villages host their own mosques, which are located less than 100 meters apart, yet the time for the call to iftar can differ by one to two minutes or even more, leading to peculiar circumstances where villagers from one side may break their fast before those on the other.
The variations in iftar times serve as an interesting reflection of Turkey’s diverse cultural landscape during Ramadan, highlighting the impact of geography on religious practices. This situation not only underlines the importance of local customs and community interactions during this holy month but also fosters a sense of curiosity and connection among the villagers as they navigate these minute differences in their observances, celebrating with a shared spirit even with differing time schedules.
