Mar 17 β€’ 21:30 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

The Night of Destiny in Exile: How Arabs in Turkey Create a 'Home' through Prayer?

Arab expatriates in Turkey use the spiritual significance of Ramadan and the Night of Destiny to recreate a sense of home and community, despite being away from their native lands.

As Ramadan approaches sunset, Arab expatriates in Turkey experience a profound sense of distance that is both geographical and emotional. The familiar sounds of local mosques, the bustle before iftar (the evening meal to break the fast), and the inviting aromas of traditional meals are absent, amplifying their longing for home. However, Ramadan in Turkey revitalizes this experience, as these expatriates find themselves enveloped in a vibrant community scene reminiscent of their homeland, allowing them to reconnect with familiar spiritual practices.

The culmination of this experience arrives during the last ten days of Ramadan, particularly on the Night of Destiny, a significant occasion for prayer and reflection in Islamic tradition. On this night, mosques overflow with worshippers who transcend language barriers to unite in prayer. Arabic expatriates revive their own traditions, from night prayers (Taraweeh) and Quran recitations to pre-dawn gatherings for Suhoor, all evoking the flavors and warmth of their distant homes within a new cultural landscape.

In this way, Arab communities in Turkey not only celebrate the Night of Destiny as a religious event but also as a means to reconnect with their identities while in exile. This shared experience becomes a pivotal moment for these individuals, reviving lost connections to their cultural heritage and community ties, thereby reinforcing their sense of belonging in a foreign land.

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