Students learn about Ramadan during an iftar dinner.
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About forty-five Carthage students participated in an iftar (breaking of the fast) dinner organized by the Niagara Foundation at the Turkish American Society of Chicago on April 9 as part of class activities for the Islamic Law and Legal Traditions course.

Students watch performances and enjoy food during an iftar dinner. The entire event, which was put on exclusively for Carthage students, opened students’ eyes to the life of a Muslim, and more specifically life during the holy month of Ramadan. Students had an opportunity to see how elements of religion and culture can be reflected onto each other and how Islamic tradition and practices blended with Turkish culture. 

The night was filled with culture, religion, food, fun, and laughter. 

The Turkish American Society of Chicago building and prayer hall was covered with unique artwork, décor, and various designs. Students watched a demonstration of ebru (water marbling), a centuries-old spiritual art form done by sprinkling color pigments into an oily substance and pulling and prodding special brushes to create different shapes and designs, which are then transferred onto a sheet of paper.

Manar Mohammad ?16 was a guest speaker at the iftar dinner in Chicago. A father and daughter singing combo sang traditional Turkish songs with the saz, a traditional string instrument with a riveting high-pitched tone. Later, the students witnessed the father’s rendition of the adhan (call to prayer), signaling the iftar time.

Finally, the students listened to Manar Mohammad’s ’16 inspirational closing remarks and her story of starting a student club at Carthage, which gave her a greater sense of the community and made a change in her academic career.

Students appreciated being pushed out of their comfort zone, and sharing conversations and meals with people they most likely would have never met.

Prayer hall in the Turkish American Society of Chicago building.

“I can also relate this tradition to the Orthodox church back in Ethiopia because before they go inside the church, they take off their shoes to show respect. Despite our different religions, we can still have a good time and respect other faiths by attending different religious celebrations. The iftar dinner was unique, and it reminded me of home. I used to go to family or friends’ houses back home for iftar, so I was happy.”
— Rediet Mulatu ’23

“We briefly spoke about how Ramadan, Passover, and Easter are all happening so close to one another this year. I think this is especially powerful because we are all recognizing moments of significance in our faith. I appreciated the opportunity to come together with people who hold a reverence for something higher than ourselves, a higher purpose, while still being able to acknowledge that we are all human and that there is value in coming together to understand one another.”
— Brielle Ramsey ’22

Students watched an ebru (water marbling) presentation during an iftar dinner at the Turkish Amer...

“After the dinner I went home and told my family and cousins all about my experience. They were so intrigued that they even asked me about the mosque, about Ramadan, and what kind of food we got to have. My sisters and I watched a YouTube video of the water art so they could get a better understanding of what I was describing. This dinner was a great experience, and I would definitely recommend it to future students.”
— Annika Schmidt ’22

“This event is arguably one of the most important parts of this class because of the people you meet and the resources you get to help you learn more about the Islamic religion. The environment facilitated asking questions in a natural, conversational way.”
— Tanner Garton ’23

Students learn about the Muslim faith at the Turkish American Society building in Chicago.

“It gave me the opportunity to see the similarities and differences between my culture and another. The students we met are just like us, living off mac and cheese and trying to survive the semester. However, by discovering and discussing the differences between our cultures, we can create a richer sense of perspective and understanding of them both.”
— Aubrey Schoeneman ’23

Overall, the trip was a great experience to learn more about the holy month of Ramadan and the religion of Islam, and to interact with people who are Muslims and with other students outside a classroom setting.

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Religion Department

For more information, contact:

Fatih Harpci: fharpci@carthage.edu