Iftar in the Netherlands: Gatherings, Traditions, and Waiting for the Sunset
The aroma of freshly baked bread and sweet baklava fills the streets. Children gaze impatiently at the horizon, asking the same question all day long: "İftara ne kadar kaldı?" – how much longer until iftar? In living rooms, community centres, and even city squares, final touches are being put on the meal that will break the daily fast during Ramadan. It's a moment of gathering, of sharing, of coming home.
Thousands of kilometres away, in the Turkish town of Ezine, a remarkable scene recently unfolded: ten thousand people sat down at one long table for iftar. An image that deeply moved Turkish communities in the Netherlands as it spread on social media. It shows how iftar, no matter how local, always evokes a universal feeling of togetherness. Whether you're in a village by the Aegean Sea or a hall in South Rotterdam, the essence is the same: waiting together, breaking the fast together, being grateful together.
From Ezine to Amsterdam: iftar connects
The Netherlands is also buzzing with iftar activities. In Gelibolu, for instance, a large iftar was recently organised where hundreds of neighbours came together. It's a trend you see more and more: local authorities and organisations embracing iftar as an opportunity to strengthen the community. Take Elif Tekin-Iftar, a familiar face at the women's activity centre in Schiedam. For years, she has been dedicated to bringing women from all corners of the city together during Ramadan. "It's not just about the food," she says while handing out dates. "It's about the feeling of belonging, of waiting for the sunset together."
In the lead-up to the meal, a similar ritual prevails everywhere. Tables are set, traditional dishes are prepared. Many families turn to familiar cookbooks for inspiration. At the Yilmaz family home, for instance, they often flip through The Ramadan Cookbook: 80 Delicious Recipes Perfect for Ramadan, Eid and Celebrating Throughout the Year, seeking ideas for the evening meal. From spicy lentil soup to stuffed vine leaves, the recipes ensure a festive meal once the sun has set.
The taste of iftar: from gazoz to gourmet
So, what exactly ends up on the table? Here's a small selection of favourites you'll find in Turkish-Dutch households these days:
- Dates and olives: The sun sets, the stomach is gently awakened.
- Soup (often mercimek or ezogelin): Warm and nourishing, the classic start.
- İftarlık Gazoz: The refreshing, slightly fruity Turkish soft drink that's growing in popularity. After a day of fasting, nothing beats a cold glass.
- Stuffed vegetables and böreks: Savoury and filling, loved by young and old.
- Baklava or güllaç: Sweets that break the fast with a smile.
What makes iftar special in the Netherlands is the blend of cultures. More and more, you see non-Turkish neighbours joining in, or dishes from different cuisines being combined. Iftar thus becomes an accessible way to learn about Islamic culture and traditions.
More than a meal: the power of community
Whether it's a massive gathering like the one in Ezine, a municipal initiative in Gelibolu, or a small get-together in a community centre in The Hague: iftar transcends food. It's a moment for reflection, for gratitude, and above all, for togetherness. In times when the world can feel divided, these evenings offer a warm and welcome counterbalance. The question "İftara ne kadar kaldı?" is asked not just out of hunger, but out of longing for that one moment when the entire community pauses and celebrates life together. Ramazan ayınız mübarek olsun – wishing you a blessed Ramadan.