Morocco
During Ramadan, Morocco’s neighbourhoods are roamed by the nafar – a town crier who, donning the traditional attire of a gandora, slippers and a hat, marks the start of dawn with his melody. Selected by the townspeople for his honesty and empathy, the nafar walks down the street while blowing a horn to wake them up for suhoor.
This tradition, which spread across the Middle East to Morocco, dates back to the 7th Century, when a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would roam the streets at dawn singing melodious prayers. When the nafar’s music sweeps through the town, it is met with gratitude and thanks and he is officially compensated by the community on the last night of Ramadan.
South Africa
The end of Ramadan is signified by the sighting of the first crescent of the moon. Although this is practised around the world, the uniqueness of this tradition in South Africa is illustrated by the maan kykers (Afrikaans for ‘moon watchers’).
Heading to the most scenic parts of the Cape Town – South Africa’s so-called Mother City – the maan kykers search for the new moon. Standing along the shore at the Sea Point Promenade, at Three Anchor Bay or even atop Signal Hill, it’s up to them to inform the Muslim community that Eid-ul-Fitr is upon them. The moon must be spotted by the naked eye, and on a crystal clear night in Cape Town, there’s no lovelier sight!
Turkey
Ever since the days of the Ottoman Empire, those fasting during Ramadan have woken up to the sound of a drum beating early in the morning for suhoor. Despite the passage of time (and particularly the invention of alarm clocks), more than 2000 drummers still roam the streets of Turkey, uniting the local community during the holy month.
Drummers are adorned in the conventional Ottoman costume, including a fez and vest that are both decorated with traditional motifs. As they go around with their davul (Turkish double-headed drum), the Ramadan drummers rely on the generosity of residents to give them tips (bahşiş) or even invite them in to share their suhoor meal. This bahşiş is usually collected twice in the holy month, with many givers believing they will receive good luck in return for their kindness.
Recently, Turkish officials have introduced a membership card for drummers in order to instill a sense of pride in those who play, and to encourage a younger generation to keep this age-old tradition alive in a growing metropolis.
Egypt
Every year, the people of Egypt welcome Ramadan with colourful fanous – intricate lanterns that symbolise unity and joy throughout the holy month. Although this tradition is more cultural than it is religious, it has come to be strongly associated with the holy month of Ramadan, taking on a spiritual significance.
The tales of its origin differ, but a prominent account dates the birth of the fanous to one night during the Fatimid dynasty, when Egyptians greeted Caliphate Al-Muʿizz li-Dīn Allah as he arrived in Cairo on the first day of Ramadan. In order to provide an illuminated entrance for the imam, military officials ordered locals to hold candles in the dark streets, sheltering them in wooden frames to prevent them from blowing out. Over time, these wooden structures emerged into patterned lanterns, and are now displayed across the entire country, spreading light during the holy month.
Today, the fanous are often integrated into other local traditions. For example, during the holy month, children walk the streets with their lanterns, singing in merriment while asking for gifts and sweets.
Iraq
In the early hours of the night, after breaking fast, generations of people across Iraq come together for a traditional game of mheibes. Predominantly played by men during Ramadan, this game involves two groups of about 40 to 250 players, who all take turns to conceal a mihbes, or ring. A game of deception, mheibes begins with the team leader holding the ring, his hands draped in a blanket. The other members must sit with their fists tight in their lap, as the leader passes the ring to one of the other players in secret. In a tense exchange, their opponents must determine which of the dozens of men conceal the ring through body language alone.
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