It should come as no surprise that Türkiye is home to a wealth of spectacular Ottoman mosques. The six-hundred-year Ottoman state left a powerful mark between its foundation in 1299, to its demise in 1923. This is especially true of the empire’s former capital Istanbul, and its heartlands in Anatolia and Thrace. What is particularly […]
Monday marked the first full day of fasting for Muslims around the world as part of the month of Ramadan, or Ramazan in Turkish. For thirty consecutive days, all healthy Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking anything from sunrise to sunset. Why is this month so important for the nearly 2 billion followers of […]
Whether for reasons of spirituality or as release from the everyday stresses of life, the practice of Sufi whirling continues to grow in appeal – and not just among Muslims. This devotional dance is an integral part of Sufism – an inclusive, mystical Islamic belief and practice where adherents seek the truth about divine love […]
A week of events to mark the 30th anniversary of the founding of the British Alevi Cultural Centre and Cemevi (IAKM) culminated with a special night of spiritual music and dance at the Dominion Centre in Wood Green, North London, on Saturday evening. Titled ‘30 Yıl Semaha Durduk’ / 30 Years of Performing the Semah’, […]
As we enter the holy month of Ramazan, it’s a chance to reflect on our lives and make positive changes for the year ahead. Dr Salman Waqar, is a GP and President of BIMA (British Islamic Medical Association). Religion is an essential part of his life and he shares advice for a healthier Ramadan (or […]
Shacklewell Lane Mosque, in East London, will hold a “night of prayer and reflection” in memory of all those who have lost their lives in the devastating earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria. It takes place on Friday, 17 February, which this year falls on Miraç Kandil Gecesi (Lailat al Miraj) – a holy night in […]
Watching whirling dervishes perform their devotional dance, a Sema ceremony, is always a moving experience. This centuries-old spiritual ritual unites the mind, heart, and body through the universal language of music and movement. Later this month, audiences will get the chance to watch the Istanbul Sufi Ceremonies Ensemble, who will be taking to the stage […]
Türkiye’s Jewish community marked the final day of Hanukkah on Sunday night in Istanbul’s Bebek Park, where the eighth and final candle on the menorah was lit. The ceremony was watched by officials from the Governor of Istanbul’s office and local councils, foreign diplomats serving in Turkiye, and members of the wider Turkish society. The […]
The holiest month of the Islamic calendar is upon us, with Muslims around the world fasting for a month as part of their personal reflection and devotion to God. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. For the next thirty days, all healthy Muslims will fast during daylight hours, refraining from eating or […]
Popular British Turkish Cypriot cleric Cyprus Islamic Association co-founder Hussain Hashim Hoca is running an introductory course on Islam at Shacklewell Lane Mosque, East London, later this month. Titled “An Invitation To Think”, the free one-day course is open to anyone who is “curious and eager to learn… irrespective of their faith, ethnicity or cultural […]
