Ramadan in Bosnia

Ottomans waited excitedly for Ramadan. Daily life becomes more vivid. Not only Muslims but also people from other religions join iftar dinners and celebrations. In Bosnia, the state of the Ottoman Empire, “preparing for Ramadan starts a while before the month begins Ramadan." 1 The city was decorated with lanterns, and the mosques were cleaned for Ramadan.2
Ramadan is a holy month in Islam Ramadan as explained in the Qur’an:“2.185. The month of Ramadān, in which the Qur'ān was sent down as guidance for people, and as clear signs of Guidance and the Criterion (between truth and falsehood). Therefore, whoever is present this month must fast it, and whoever is so ill that he cannot fast or is on a journey (must fast the same) number of other days. God wills ease for you, and He does not want will hardship for you so that you can complete the number of the days required, and exalt God for He has guided you, and so it may be that you will give thanks (due to Him).”3

During the month of Ramadan, people read more Qur'an and performed more good behaviors, such as helping the poor and making donations to charity.4 Regardless of differences in thoughts, ethnicity, race, and religion, people come together in iftar dinners. “In Bosnia, Ma’edet

Al Rahman (Mercy Table) brings together people of all religions and families, relatives, and neighbors are all invited.”5

There were no digital alarms or phones to awaken people for a pre-dawn meal called suhoor in the past. Therefore, a drummer walks down the streets and beats his drum while reading mani (anonymous short poem). Still, in every Ramadan, a drummer beats his drum, which became a tradition of Ramadan.
For iftar dinners, delicious special foods were prepared, such as “pita bread, cabbage, stuffed turkey, salads, kabab, pies stuffed with meat or potatoes, cheese, and spinach.”6 One of the special dessert for Ramadan is Gullac. It is made with thin pastry leaves, nut, milk, and pomegranate as a topping.

After the Ramadan, Eid (feast) is celebrated for four days. In Eid, people wore new clothes, visited their families, and collected money from adults and elders.7 Besides the religious value, Ramadan ties people and increases social interactions between different groups. Also, it has economic contributions to marketing and tourism.

Notes
1. "Welcoming Ramadan in Izmir," Turkish Daily News, Sep 13, 2007, National ed. https://eznvcc.vccs.edu:2443/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2443/docview/328624362?accountid=12902.
2. Ibid
3. 3. Qur’an. 2:185
4-7. "Welcoming Ramadan in Izmir," Turkish Daily News, Sep 13, 2007, National ed. https://eznvcc.vccs.edu:2443/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2443/docview/328624362?accountid=12902.

Bibliography
1. Lefteris Pitarakis. “Turkey Ramadan.” Edited by LP, June 6, 2016. https://search-ebscohost-com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2443/login.aspx?direct=true&db=apg&AN=63c70740513248d6b0006bf234964570&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
2. "Welcoming Ramadan in Izmir." Turkish Daily News, Sep 13, 2007, National ed. https://eznvcc.vccs.edu:2443/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.eznvcc.vccs.edu:2443/docview/328624362?accountid=12902.