Istanbul, March 1, 2026 (AFP) - Before dawn, ancient drum rite wakes Istanbul faithful to fast

NAMPA / AFP

2026-03-01

It's 3:30 am and lights are slowly coming on in the homes lining a narrow Istanbul street as people are woken up by the rhythmic thump of a drum. Emerging onto a balcony, Sibel Savas and her grandson look down as the drummer -- or davulcu in Turkish -- wanders through the Ayvansaray neighbourhood, his drumbeat waking the faithful for a last meal before the daily Ramadan fast begins at sunrise. For the past 55 years, Hakan Ozbingol has got up at......

Restricted content

Community

2026-03-02 15:30:59

Istanbul, March 2, 2026 (AFP) - Turkey cancels flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan until Friday

2026-03-02 15:30:59

Nicosia, March 2, 2026 (AFP) - Cyprus says Paphos airport, area of UK base evacuated after drone threats

2026-03-02 14:30:24

London, March 2, 2026 (AFP) - How a Syrian refugee chef met Britain's King Charles

2026-03-02 08:30:32

Manchester, United Kingdom, March 1, 2026 (AFP) - Guardiola calls for respect after Ramadan break is booed

2026-03-01 15:01:02

Vatican City, March 1, 2026 (AFP) - Pope calls for end to 'spiral of violence' in Middle East

2026-03-01 13:30:23

2026-03-01 13:30:22

Vatican City, March 1, 2026 (AFP) - Pope calls for end to 'spiral of violence' in Middle East

2026-03-01 13:30:22

Vatican City, Feb 28, 2026 (AFP) - Climate change forces facelift for Michelangelo masterpiece

2026-02-28 16:31:24

2026-02-28 13:00:56

Moscow, Feb 28, 2026 (AFP) - Russia suspends flights to Iran, Israel 'until further notice'

2026-02-28 13:00:56

Latest NAMPA photos

Windhoek, 26 February - Commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency, Sam Shivute at the tabling of the 2026/27 Appropriation Bill. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

NAMPA

Windhoek, 26 February- Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare at the tabling of the 2026/27 Appropriation Bill. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

NAMPA

Windhoek, 26 February- Minister of Education, Innovation, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

NAMPA

Windhoek, 26 February- President of the Popular Democratic Movement, McHenry Venaani. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

NAMPA

Windhoek, 26 February- Minister of Information, Communication and Technology. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

NAMPA

Windhoek, 26 February- Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Emma Theofelus. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

NAMPA

Windhoek, 26 February- Minister of Finance, Ericah Shafuda at the tabling of the 2026/27 Appropriation Bill. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

NAMPA

Windhoek, 26 February- Minister of Finance, Ericah Shafudaat the tabling of the 2026/27 Appropriation Bill. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

NAMPA