During Lent, I fast during the day but still drink water and coffee, which made me reflect on the different ways faith can shape daily routines and discipline. I do not often talk about my religion with my students, but they know that I am Catholic, so they were quick to ask whether Catholics also fast. I explained my own practices, and in return, I got to hear about their Ramadan experiences. Those conversations became some of the most meaningful moments of the month. What began as a recognition of difference slowly turned into an appreciation of shared values. I realized that we had more in common than I initially thought.
One of my favorite Ramadan memories was my first iftar with my students. A group of girls in my class approached my site mate and me and invited us to join them. We met on a Tuesday afternoon in the basement of a crowded restaurant and waited together until it was time to eat. When the moment finally came, we shared a large and joyful meal. Afterwards, we went out for Turkish coffee and played Okey, lingering in conversation and laughter. Ramadan is more than just fasting. It is a time of connection, generosity and community. I spent the final days of Ramadan, Ramazan Bayramı, in Istanbul, which was the busiest I have ever seen the city. The energy, the gatherings and the sense of celebration made it clear that this was not only the end of a holy month, but also a moment of shared joy and togetherness.
