ISTANBUL, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of Ramadan drummers across Türkiye hit the streets on Monday, the first day of the Muslim holy month, to wake people up for Sahar with the centuries-old Ottoman-era tradition.
The drummers, appointed by local authorities for each neighborhood, will roam the streets during Ramadan, beating their drums to remind people of the last meal before a day of fasting that begins before sunrise, known as Sahar.
The drummers will operate their mission for a whole month in all 81 provinces of the country.
Selami Aykut, a local authority in charge of Ramadan drummers in Türkiye's largest city Istanbul, said that approximately 3,350 drummers will be on duty across the city's 964 neighborhoods during Ramadan.
"The drumming tradition brings a festive atmosphere to our streets. We are happy to contribute to continuing this tradition," Aykut told reporters.
Throughout Türkiye, citizens warmly greeted Ramadan drummers. Upon hearing the rhythmic beats of the drums, they emerged onto their balconies to acknowledge and hail the drummers.
Offering tips to the drummers at the end of Ramadan is also customary as part of the tradition dating back approximately 200 years. ■
