July 17th, 18th, and 19th marked the highly anticipated festivities surrounding the annual Ramadan Tent Iftar, a special tradition in the Turkish-American community that takes place every year in Oakton, Virginia. Organized by the American Turkish Friendship Association (ATFA), the Iftar Tent is a practice that dates back to the times of the Ottoman Empire. Referred to as çadır (“cha-der,” the second syllable like “dirt” without the “t”) in Turkish, the tent celebrates the spirit of Ramadan by serving the sunset meal that breaks the day’s fast out into the city and to the people. Already a well-established tradition in Oakton, locals return year after year to enjoy the Ramadan Iftar Tent.
The event took place in an open, common area between the Unity of Fairfax Church and Pinnacle Academy, a private elementary and middle. Guests began to arrive well before the breaking of fast, which was set to take place around 8:30pm, and continued to partake in festivities until midnight. It is estimated that over two thousand people attended the festivities.
This year, Turkic Americans once again championed the spirit of Ramadan by bringing communities together. Open to the entire public free of charge, each event drew more than 600 fasting or otherwise hungry people. And incredibly, it is doubtful that anyone went home hungry. Each guest was served generous helpings of Turkish cuisine, including soup, döner kebab (gyro), salad, and rice, in addition to Turkish tea and coffee, baklava, lokma, and other fresh pastries. Children were also well entertained with cotton candy, popcorn, performances by clowns, and other traditional demonstrations.
Distinguished attendees of this year’s Ramadan Iftar Tent included Turkish Ambassador Namik Tan, Azeri Ambassador Elin Suleymanov, Unity of Fairfax Church Rev. Russell Heiland, local businessmen, state legislatures, and friends and families. Guests expressed their gratitude for having been invited to take part in and experience this wonderful Turkish tradition that seems to be taking root in the United States. The Ramadan Iftar Tent in Northern Virginia continues to contribute invaluably to the fabric of the American community by increasing fellowship among various faith and cultural backgrounds, by inviting local communities to experience the spirit of Ramadan, and by raising awareness on the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue in society at large.
