Seydiler, Kastamonu - Residents of Seydiler gather every Friday morning after the prayer to enjoy what they fondly call "Cuma Çorbası" or Friday Soup. This practice began back in 2017 through the collaborative efforts of Hüseyin Akpınar and Ahmet Öcal, and has continued to thrive as a cherished community tradition.
From the first week of November until Ramadan, attendees partake in soup served to worshippers exiting the mosque. The gatherings create a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with prayers and hymns. The soup service, bolstered by the support of local merchants and benefactors, concludes when Ramadan arrives.
"After living many years in Istanbul, upon returning to my hometown, I felt it was important to continue similar community traditions here," Akpınar stated. His experience of enjoying Kastamonu's signature simit following mosque services inspired him to replicate the positive communal interactions he experienced.
"When I returned to Seydiler, I discussed the idea with my brother Ahmet, and we decided it was time to start our own soup tradition to bring our friends together for conversations and fellowship," he added. For the past eight years, the Friday Soup initiative has brought residents together, fostering bonds during the winter months.
Interest from the community has been overwhelming. "Even though we started this, now our neighbors are eager to participate and host. They insist it should be from them!" Akpınar explained with laughter. "When people come together, they create beautiful harmony. On these blessed mornings, we cultivate the spirit of unity and camaraderie."
Ahmet Öcal, who runs the restaurant serving the soup, emphasized the cultural significance of the event. "During the Cuma Çorbası, we read the Quran, sing hymns, and create a space of togetherness through prayer and interaction. It's not just provided by my restaurant; when we started, four local eateries collaborated to host the soup service by sharing posts on social media," he noted.
Reflecting on the outreach, Öcal shared, "On the day we announce the soup gathering, our phones ring off the hook. We had 12 calls within hours of posting. The first day alone saw us serve enough orders to fill three months of soup requests! It's heartening to see such enthusiasm, as people understand the blessings generated from our efforts. We often offer soup to passing travelers, ensuring they feel welcomed too. It's about kindness and sharing our luck with others."
Among the mosque attendees, community member Salih Yolasığmaz shared his role: "I have a minivan I use to transport people from the mosque to where we drink the soup, then later drop them back at their homes. This soup tradition truly brings individuals closer together. I sincerely hope this continues for many more years to come."
The Friday Soup tradition not only enhances social bonds but also aids the local economy, with significant sales stemming from the service provided to worshippers and visitors alike. Its success highlights the importance of community support and engagement, encouraging positive connections across generations. It stands as a model for other towns aiming to strengthen their own community ties and promote social unity.
This cherished custom exemplifies the essence of compassion and shared values, demonstrating how even the simplest act of serving soup can create harmony, connection, and merriment within the fabric of community life.