International students studying in Türkiye are experiencing the joy of Ramadan by participating in local traditions, especially the communal iftar meals.
Many students from countries in the Middle East have shared their experiences of observing the holy month away from home, finding comfort in the country’s deep-rooted Ramadan practices.
For Palestinian student Abdurrahman Essam, studying film design at Baskent University in Ankara, living in Türkiye during Ramadan has been a rewarding experience.
He expressed that hearing the call to prayer and being in a Muslim-majority country makes him feel connected to the traditions of Ramadan. “We don’t feel like outsiders here. The atmosphere and the call to prayer make it feel like home,” he said.
Syrian student Mohammad Al-Hasan, who has lived in Türkiye for six years, shared that he has spent most of his Ramadans in the country. “Ramadan in Türkiye is a beautiful experience. I’ve discovered a lot about the holiday here, and it’s been a joy to observe,” he said. Although he misses the family gatherings in Syria, he cherishes the sense of community he’s found in Türkiye.
Mesa Yousef, a Jordanian architecture student in her second year at a university in Ankara, also enjoys Ramadan in Türkiye. “It’s great to have iftar with friends and spend time together,” she said. While there are similarities between Ramadan traditions in Jordan and Türkiye, she looks forward to trying Turkish specialties like “gullac,” a traditional dessert enjoyed during the holy month.
For Moroccan student Fatima Ezzahra Jouat, this is her first Ramadan outside of Morocco. “Ramadan in Türkiye is wonderful. The traditions here are similar to what we do back home, but I do miss my family and the special dishes prepared for Ramadan in Morocco,” she shared.
Libyan student Emhammed Farag, a medical student at Ankara University, is experiencing his third Ramadan in Türkiye. “While I miss the family gatherings and iftar meals back home, I’ve found warmth in the community here in Türkiye,” he said.
Despite being far from their families, these students are able to embrace the spirit of Ramadan in Türkiye, making the most of the social aspects of the holiday and creating lasting memories.
