The Start of Ramadan

Ramadan is observed in the ninth month of the Islamic calander. This is when the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophen Muhammad. During this time Muslims fast during the day and pray more than usual. Ramadan began on Sepember 1st and the atmosphere of Cairo has changed somewhat. Most people fast during the day so the streets are more quiet than typical. At 6:15 is Iftar and you can hear the muezzins calling from the minarets of the mosques all over the city, meaning that the fast can be broken.

Stores close before Iftar, so that the owners can eat with their families. There are tables of food set up in the streets for the poor and for people who do not have time to return to their houses. Wealthy people sponsor these tables, and over the table is constructed a Ramadan Tent, made of bright, colorful fabric. An Egyptian tradition for Ramadan is to hang lanterns, called fanous in the street, shops and homes. Some are just small paper lanterns, but others can be huge creations of metal and colored glass.