The culture in Istanbul is a very interesting mix resulting from a blend of two cultures: Ottoman and Roman. It was the capital of each empire for a time, and absorbed a lot from both cultures. While we were visiting, we got to experience a side of Istanbul that is unusual for us as we came from predominantly Christian areas of the US: Ramadan.

The city is a mixture of Islamic and Christian residents, but as it was the capital of an Islamic empire, enormous mosques dominate the city skyline. They were undecorated during the day, presumably in deference to the fasting and solemn remembrance that occurred during that time. The biggest decorations we saw during the day were some flags hung in Sultanhamet square:
But the wonderful thing about Ramadan is the change that occurs once the sun sets. You hear the evening prayer, and then everyone whether they are seated at a restaurant or outside can finally begin eating. Many people brought picnics to the square pictured above and set them all out on tables, anxiously awaiting official sundown so they can finally drink some water and eat some food. Once everyone has gorged themselves at sundown, they begin to celebrate. You can see the decorations on the mosques:and there is music outdoors:and whole areas dedicated to sweet shops where you can get your quick carbs after a long day with nothing: All in all it is a very social, very celebratory time in the city. The only downside is that as a Christian you need to take care during the day not to be too overt while eating and drinking because it is just rude to flaunt it during such a solemn time of the year for the Muslims of the town. But we really enjoyed the experience!