Merhaba! Tuesday, June 23, the Raindrop Foundation and the Dialog Institute of the Southwest joined together to host Ramadan Programs 2015. The night started off with a demonstration of paper marbling, also known as Ebru, which is a traditional Turkish painting art, and continued with a presentation about Ramadan.
Ramadan is the month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, Ramadan began on June 17 and will continue until July 17. During this time, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other obscene acts such as gossiping and obscene language. The act of fasting is not only a religious experience, but also behavioral, social, and spiritual. It requires self-control, and support of friends and family, which empowers the heart and mind over the carnal self.
After Adhan, which is the Muslim call to prayer, the fast was broken at 8:35pm with a delicious meal consisting of mercimek gorbasl (lentil soup), firinda kremali et yemeği, which is a stew-like dish, and baklava for dessert.
Through programs such as the Ramadan Programs, Ebru painting classes, cooking classes, Turkish language classes, and ladies night, the Raindrop Foundation is promoting their mission “to introduce Turkish culture into American society and cultivate friendship and promote the understanding of diverse cultures through its unique services to the community, through dialog and cooperation”.
The next dinner will be held on July 9 at the Raindrop Foundation. For more information about this event or any other programs visitwww.raindropturkishhouse.org/collegestation or email collegestation@turkishhouse.org
