16. Bölüm: Ramadan 101

<p>Hayırlı Ramazanlar!</p> <p>This year, April 2 to May 2 is Ramadan, the ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar. I've mostly known it as the time&nbsp;when Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset. But my guest this week explains why it's so much more than that.</p> <p>Sevde is from the <a href="https://www.crossculturalcenter.org/" target="_blank">Center for Cross-Cultural Communication</a>, a group of volunteers that offers workshops and tours to better understand&nbsp;Turkish and Muslim culture. She invited me to their beautiful historic mansion just behind Suleymaniye Mosque and told me how Ramadan can be a&nbsp;celebration for people of all backgrounds -- though there are some things that non-fasters should maybe be more conscientious of during this period. For example,&nbsp;try to restrain your&nbsp;midnight rooftop karaoke sessions...</p> <p>The center holds lots of interesting events throughout the year, including iftar dinners during Ramadan and even tours to join in Friday prayers at Suleymaniye Mosque. Just <a href="//Hayirli Ramazanlar!">drop them a line</a> or better yet, knock on their door. I can vouch that they are very friendly and welcoming!</p>