Türkiye’s Ramadan Drummers, A Centuries-Old Tradition

In the stillness of the night, the rhythmic beats of drums echo through the streets of Türkiye, rousing the faithful for their pre-dawn meal during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Each year, as the fasting period begins, a centuries-old tradition comes to life on Turkish streets. The Ramadan drummers act as guardians of a time-honored practice.

"This is an old culture that we are trying to preserve for the new generations," Emir Cosan told Xinhua before setting out for his nightly rounds in the popular Mamak district of Ankara.

The holy month serves as a time for self-reflection and spiritual discipline, during which Muslims would fast from dawn to dusk.

The tradition of Ramadan drummers dates back to the Ottoman era when alarm clocks were a luxury few could afford. As a result, drummers took on the role of waking people up, a practice that continues to this day.

Clad in Ottoman-era attire and carrying large, double-headed drums, drummers walk through neighborhoods playing rhythmic beats to ensure everyone wakes up in time for suhoor, the early morning meal before fasting begins.

Hundreds of years later, the tradition persists, particularly in smaller towns and cities. Even in metropolitan areas like Istanbul, the capital city Ankara, and Izmir, where modern life has reshaped many customs, the sound of Ramadan drummers still reverberates through the streets.

Many Ramadan drummers come from families that have upheld the tradition for generations, while others are seasoned musicians. They are usually selected and granted permission by local municipalities or neighborhood councils.

Drummers rely on the generosity of residents to sustain life. In Türkiye, they usually play music at social gatherings in the remaining 11 months of the year; thus, this once-a-year tradition is a vital moment for increasing income.

As Cosan plays his drum, apartment lights flicker on, and residents peek out from doors and windows. In return, residents will give them tips as the custom requires.

Despite its deep-rooted cultural significance, the practice has faced challenges in recent years. In some urban areas, growing complaints over the noises disturbing non-Muslim residents or shift workers have led to restrictions on the practice.

"Sometimes, people ask me to avoid playing near their homes because they say it is too loud; others appreciate this behavior," Cosan said.

Hakan Gocer, another Ramadan drummer for 15 years, noted the importance of safeguarding this cultural heritage in the face of technology's growing influence. "Despite smartphones and other technologies, people still like to be woken up by drums."

For many Turks, the sound of the Ramadan drummer is more than just a wake-up call; it is a symbol of community.

In response, some municipalities are organizing official Ramadan drumming groups, ensuring that the custom is preserved in a respectful and organized manner.

"We are the last representatives of this disappearing practice... People do not seem to attach importance to this tradition as much as they did before," Cosan noted.
-XINHUA