Ramadan Traditions Revived In Baghdad And Bangladesh

As dusk settled over Baghdad on Thursday, February 19, 2026, the city’s ancient rhythms were revived with a thunderous salute. A single artillery round, fired from the banks of the Tigris on Abu Nawas Street, marked not just the end of a day’s fast but the beginning of Ramadan for Iraq’s capital. According to Shafaq News, Iraqi army artillery units had spent the afternoon preparing for this exact moment, conducting a test firing earlier in the day to ensure the ceremonial cannon was ready to mark the holy month’s first iftar. Soldiers coordinated every detail, timing the discharge to coincide precisely with sunset, as tradition demands. The Ministry of Defense announced that the cannon would be fired daily at iftar throughout Ramadan, a move both practical and deeply symbolic. Officials cautioned residents across Baghdad’s districts that the sound would echo nightly, a reminder that this was more than a ritual—it was an acoustic anchor for the city’s spiritual life. The Ramadan cannon, once a fixture of Baghdad evenings, blends military precision with ritual symbolism. For many along the Tigris, the blast is more than just a signal; it’s a communal moment, synchronizing the city’s pulse with the call to prayer and the first sip of water after a day of fasting. This revival of tradition comes at a time when Muslim communities worldwide are seeking connection and solace amid a turbulent global landscape. In a parallel scene thousands of kilometers away, another significant event unfolded as Bilal Erdoğan, son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, embarked on his first official visit to Bangladesh. On February 18 and 19, Bilal Erdoğan was welcomed in Dhaka with open arms, his arrival coinciding with the start of Ramadan and carrying a message of solidarity, humanitarian outreach, and educational support. According to MNTV, Erdoğan’s agenda was packed and purposeful. He attended the opening ceremony of the newly renovated Dhaka University Health Center, a project made possible by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA). The refurbishment included new medical equipment and the donation of an ambulance, significantly strengthening health services for students and faculty on campus. The event drew a large crowd, with Erdoğan joined by Society for the Dissemination of Knowledge Chairman Abdullah Eren, TİKA’s president, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Dhaka Ramis Şen, former football star Mesut Özil, and a host of Turkish and Bangladeshi officials. Enthusiastic students and alumni gathered to greet Erdoğan, who took time to interact with them, reinforcing the personal and cultural ties between the two countries. During his address, Erdoğan congratulated Muslims worldwide on the arrival of Ramadan, acknowledging the shared sense of renewal and reflection that marks the holy month. Yet, his words carried a somber note as he highlighted the grave challenges facing the Islamic world, particularly the ongoing crisis in Gaza. He noted, “One of the main purposes of my visit is to draw international attention to the educational difficulties faced by Rohingya Muslim children.” His remarks underscored a broader commitment to humanitarian causes, especially those affecting displaced and vulnerable populations. Erdoğan’s visit was not limited to ceremonial duties. On February 19, he traveled to Cox’s Bazar, home to one of the world’s largest refugee settlements, where he shared his first iftar of Ramadan with Rohingya refugees. Accompanied by U.S.-based Justice for All President Imam Malik Mujahid and Turkish football icon Mesut Özil, Erdoğan met with families, community leaders, and humanitarian workers, offering both material support and a message of hope. This gesture, simple yet profound, resonated deeply in a camp where the daily struggle for dignity and survival is a stark reality. Reflecting on the relationship between Türkiye and Bangladesh, Erdoğan described Bangladesh as a “close and brotherly country,” emphasizing that despite the physical distance, the ties between the two nations remain strong. He pledged that humanitarian cooperation and educational support for displaced communities would continue to be a priority in Türkiye’s outreach to the region. This commitment is not new for Erdoğan, who is known for his work in education, youth initiatives, and international humanitarian outreach. As a leading figure in the Society for the Dissemination of Knowledge, he has supported student housing, scholarships, and educational programs both in Türkiye and abroad, and has played an active role in international forums focused on Islamic education, social development, and civil society cooperation. Back in Baghdad, the revival of the Ramadan cannon serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of tradition in the face of change. The cannon’s boom, heard throughout several districts, is more than just a nightly occurrence; it’s a reaffirmation of identity and continuity. For residents, the moment the cannon fires is a shared experience, a signal that transcends individual households and unites the city in a moment of gratitude and spiritual reflection. According to Shafaq News, the Ministry of Defense’s decision to reinstate the daily cannon firing is part of a broader effort to preserve cultural heritage and foster a sense of community, especially at a time when many Iraqis are seeking stability and connection. Meanwhile, Erdoğan’s visit to Bangladesh reflects a growing trend of international cooperation within the Muslim world, particularly in areas of humanitarian aid and educational development. The support for the Dhaka University Health Center, made possible by Turkish funding and expertise, is emblematic of Türkiye’s broader strategy to invest in people and institutions beyond its borders. The emphasis on education and health is no accident; these are seen as foundational pillars for community resilience and long-term development. The scenes in Baghdad and Cox’s Bazar, though worlds apart, are linked by a common thread: the enduring power of ritual, solidarity, and shared purpose during Ramadan. Whether it’s the echo of artillery in the Iraqi capital or the breaking of fast in a refugee camp, these moments capture the spirit of a month that is both deeply personal and profoundly communal. They also highlight the challenges that persist—from the need for humanitarian support in conflict zones to the struggle for educational access among displaced populations. As Ramadan unfolds, these stories offer a glimpse into how tradition and outreach can bridge divides, foster understanding, and bring hope to those who need it most. In the end, whether in Baghdad or Bangladesh, the rituals of Ramadan serve as a reminder of the values that unite communities—compassion, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a better tomorrow.