Turkish Charities provide food for Syrian Fasters

(Reporting by Lama Shammas; Translation by Yusra Ahmed)

Shaaban and his sister Soaad sat on grass around Atatork status in Taksim Square, eating food and sweet they have received from al-Rahman meals in the square. They were not allowed to sit at the meal because they were not fasting and not Turkish, however they with their beggar friends have all food they need and went to eat it away from the meals.

Many areas in Istanbul are keen to host al-Rahman meals in public squares during Ramadan, despite It’s aspects has sort of disappeared from Taksim square, because of the high number of tourists and opposition of Justice and Development party. But when the pray and Islamic songs start at fasting time, the square start to get covered with Ramadan atmosphere.

Al-Rahman meals provide their attendees with food and sweets, beside Syrian beggar who live in the square and not allowed to sit at the meals.

Many poor Syrian Families secure their food from al-Rahman meals, as they give them good and tasty food”, Ehsam, an activists said to Zaman Alwasl.

Al-Rahman meals almost cover public squares in Istanbul, especially in pro-government and Islamic areas, which are the same areas where the majority of Syrians live, Ehsan added. “No fears of hunger for Syrian in Ramadan in Istanbul” he ended.

Al-Rahman Meals are a free meals donated by many people and organizations, they aim to secure food, sweet and drinks to the poor. It is very well known practice in many Islamic countries during Ramadan.