Sugar Feast (Ramazan Bayramı) 2024 in Istanbul

The 30 days of fasting and prayer culminate in Şeker Bayramı, which means "Sugar Feast." Turks dressed in their newest clothes with new haircuts and pure souls, minds, and stomachs reunite with their families and friends to feast on sweets and other festive delicacies. All local establishments close for the holiday, except mosques, of course, which are even more beautiful during these 3 festive days, owing to their illumination. Besides the abundance of Turkish delight, baklava, and other traditional dainties, Ramazan Bayramı offers another seasonal delight—traditional shadow plays featuring the famous puppets Karagöz and Hacivat.

Karagöz and Hacivat

"Karagöz and Hacivat" is a traditional shadow play, which originated in the 14th century and became popular during the Ottoman period. During the holy month of Ramadan, "Karagöz and Hacivat" is often played on the streets and in mosque courtyards, starting the evening iftar meal. The puppets are made from horse, water buffalo, or camel skin. They can move limbs, joined with waxed thread, manipulated from rods in their back. Puppets move in front of a curtain, with shadows reflected on a screen. The play is accompanied by traditional music and songs, telling various fables and myths. This ancient form of Middle Eastern art is still a vivid part of Turkish traditions!