THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN IN THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

The Ottoman Empire had a rich and colourful tradition of preserving Islamic practices and integrating them into its cultural life. During the month of Ramadan, these traditions became even more colourful, turning the month into a time celebrated with great enthusiasm by all segments of society. Religious, economic, and cultural practices spread across daily life, and Ramadan penetrated almost every sphere of public and private existence.

It should be noted, however, that throughout the long centuries of Ottoman rule, these practices sometimes changed. Some traditions were abandoned or took different forms over time, while new ones were introduced according to the needs and conditions of different periods.

Welcoming the Arrival of Ramadan

In order to determine the beginning of Ramadan, official and religious authorities would climb to high places, such as hills or mosque minarets, to observe whether the new crescent moon (hilal) was visible. Once the crescent was sighted, the news was conveyed to the qadi (judge). When witnesses confirmed the sighting, the public was officially informed that Ramadan had begun. This announcement was made by beating drums and reciting special prayers (salas) in the mosques.

Ramadan was welcomed in a colourful and festive manner. Mosques were decorated with mahya, illuminated messages hung between the minarets, while neighbourhoods surrounding the mosques were brightly lit. Oil lamps were kindled inside the mosques, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. These decorations not only beautified the city but also signalled to the people that the blessed month had arrived.

Hospitality, Financial Solidarity and Charity

Hosting guests during Ramadan was highly valued. The doors of homes were kept open; even if a visitor was a stranger, no questions were asked, and food was shared generously. No guest who arrived at iftar time was turned away. Hosts would prepare a table (sofra) for whoever came whether rich or poor.

Those who were financially able would especially invite guests in order to share their blessings. Because guests were believed to bring abundance to the household, hosts would offer them gifts known as “diş kirası” (literally “tooth rent”). These gifts were usually presented in velvet pouches and could include silver coins, money, gold, or prayer beads. The underlying aim was to provide discreet support to those in need as well as thanking the guest for bringing blessing to the household.

In certain areas of the Ottoman Empire, there were charity stones. Those who wished to give financial help would leave money on these stones. People in need could then take only as much as necessary without being seen, preserving both dignity and anonymity.

During Ramadan, wealthy individuals would sometimes visit shops or grocery stores they did not personally know and, within their means, pay off several pages of debts recorded in the shopkeepers’ credit ledgers. In this way, neither the donor knew whom they had helped, nor did the debtor know who had settled their debt. This ensured sincerity and protected the honour of those receiving assistance.

State Regulations and Public Order

As Ramadan approached, official notices known as tenbihnames (circulars of warning and regulation) were issued. These were delivered to imams, and announcements were made, often by drummers, that an important notice would be read in the mosque. After the prayer, the imam would publicly convey the contents to the congregation.

The Ramadan tenbihnames covered a wide range of matters. They emphasized proper conduct in public spaces, encouraging modesty and decorum. Congregational worship was strongly promoted. The consumption of alcohol and gatherings in taverns were forbidden for Muslims during this period. Those who did not fast or who were excused from fasting were prohibited from eating or drinking openly in public markets.

Tradesmen were closely supervised. Working hours were adjusted in accordance with suhoor and iftar times. To prevent price inflation during Ramadan, the prices of essential goods such as food, clothing, and fuel were determined in advance. These prices were publicly announced in the final days of Sha‘ban (the month preceding Ramadan).

Food production was also carefully monitored. Since meat, oil, and bread were the most consumed items, butchers and bakers were inspected regularly. The weight and preparation methods of food were specified and informed to tradesmen. In fact, a sample of the bread to be sold during Ramadan would be presented to the Sultan for approval. Once approved, bakers were required to produce bread according to that standard. The price was also fixed beforehand and officially announced.

Entertainment and Cultural Life

Ramadan was not only a time of worship but also a season of cultural colourfulness. Various public events were organized for the people. During the Tarawih prayers, composed salawat (blessings upon the Prophet) were recited, and hymns were sung. In the first half of the month, hymns welcoming Ramadan were performed, while in the second half, more emotional pieces expressing farewell themes were recited.

Special coffeehouses known as Semai Kahvehaneleri became centres of literary and musical gatherings. Poets and musicians performed devotional poetry, often in the form of Ramazaniyye, poems specifically written to celebrate Ramadan. These poems praised the spiritual atmosphere of the month and sometimes honoured the Sultan or prominent statesmen.

Traditional forms of folk theatre also flourished during Ramadan nights. Shadow plays such as Karagöz and Hacivat and public storytelling performances entertained audiences after iftar and Tarawih prayers. These performances combined humour with moral lessons, making Ramadan evenings both spiritually meaningful and socially lively.

In the Ottoman Empire, Ramadan was therefore not only a religious obligation but a comprehensive social experience. From charity and regulation to decoration and entertainment, the entire society was shaped by the spirit of the month. Worship, solidarity, discipline, and joy coexisted, reflecting how deeply Ramadan was embedded in Ottoman cultural and spiritual life.