Six times a day the streets of Istanbul reverberate with the Islamic call to prayer. The chants are piped into the streets from nearby mosques. There are over 3000 mosques in Istanbul (and 89,000+ in Turkey), so chances are good you will hear multiple calls happening simultaneously. They start at two hours before dawn and continue well into the night.
Of course, I am respectful of whatever culture I’m in, and I’m aware that I’m the guest here. But I am also deeply wary of any religious indoctrination—not just Islam, but any of the organized religions—so I did not have the mystical, moving experience that some people have when they first experience this ritual. It was hard to get past the words, which translate to: Allah is the greatest, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah.
But – I’m finding that over the last 12 days I’ve gone through several phases with this. Initially, I found them loud and annoying. They woke me before dawn and drowned out conversation. “Make it stop,” I would think. But after a few days, I started looking forward to the ritual. Perhaps because my life feels so unpredictable right now, something so predictable feels welcome. I am trying to focus solely on the calming, melodic nature of the chants. Today, I found myself looking forward to their familiarity. I might even miss them when we move on from Istanbul!
Although, it sure would be nice to hear them in a woman’s voice. (Women are not allowed to do the call to prayer.)
8 responses to “Call To Prayer”
Hi Basia, I’m really enjoying your updates and you haven’t even started your cruise! (I subscribed to your page via the Miray Life At Sea Facebook page). This post reminds me when I was in Cambodia a few years ago. My accommodation was directly across the road from one of the temples and the call to prayer bells were so loud but along with the sound was the incredible aroma of incense. I even brought home a huge bundle of this incense which I purchased at the market for $2 USD, it held about 400 or 500 sticks. Anyway, love what you are doing and will be eagerly awaiting your updates… wishing you happy travels all the way from New Zealand.
Nicolette
Hi Nicolette, happy to have a kiwi from far-away lands on here!
It’s truly different customs 🌍 in those countries.
Almighty God in His infinite manifestations. The One who cannot be placed in a box.
Human interpretation of Creation. And its understanding is infinitely complex.
Have a cup of coffee ☕️
Enjoy!
Have had many a cup of coffee since arriving in Turkey!
a beautiful piece of sharing Basia, dziękuję. I have a similar experience with Catholicism. The institution has traumatized me , but I grew up on the rituals so there is a sort of comfort in them when I see (and smell) them.
Yes, being traumatized by organized religions is sadly all too common.
I have always admired your openness to the unknown. Thank you, Basia
Mary – I think of you sometimes when I hear them, I think you would enjoy the chants.