As Ramadan draws to a close on March 29, 2025, a unique discourse has emerged in France around a reported egg shortage, triggered by comments from Maria da Silva, President of the Federation of French Markets. Speaking on BFM TV on March 24, she attributed the crisis to the increased egg consumption during the holy month, stating, "During Ramadan, people consume a lot of eggs. They cook a lot, make desserts, so yes, eggs are in great demand right now."
This assertion ignited a wave of sarcasm across social media platforms, where users responded by inundating feeds with satirical takes on the supposed egg obsession on iftar tables during Ramadan. One user humorously showcased a table laden with eggs, captioning it, "Iftar of Ramadan according to BFM TV," while others joined in by posting mock menus that included dishes like "omelet with eggs, potatoes with eggs, meat with eggs, salad with eggs..." along with exaggerations about their culinary needs.
The online banter quickly turned into a cultural critique, with one participant quipping, "Raise your hands, Muslims! Surrender all the eggs you have at home! Save a few for the rest, please! Immediately hand them at the nearest supermarket!" Such comments not only reflected the humorous resistance but also underlined how cultural practices can misconstrued during complex societal narratives.
The satire, while light-hearted, drew from a deeper well of historical scapegoating within France—where previous crises had occurred, and minorities were often blamed. Similar criticisms were levied at supermarket head Michel-Edouard Leclerc in 2022, who faced backlash for blaming Muslims for a shortage of oil and flour, leading to public apologies.
It is essential to clarify, however, that the egg crisis may not be so straightforward. Background research reveals that the average French citizen consumed 224 eggs in 2023—up 10 eggs from a decade prior. This change aligns with broader trends in decreasing meat consumption, pushing more users toward eggs as a protein source. Additionally, the egg production sector in France is evolving, shifting towards more humane farming models, while the European Commission has committed to transitioning to alternative systems.
The ongoing media frenzy surrounding egg shortages in the U.S., linked to outbreaks of avian flu, has influenced consumer behavior in France, prompting many to stock up. These societal pressures may also contribute to the prevailing shortage that da Silva references.
As Ramadan nears its conclusion, the community is preparing for Eid al-Fitr (Uraza Bayram) on March 30, 2025. This celebratory day follows the last day of fasting, and Muslims around the world engage in prayer, charity, and communal feasting. On the last day of Ramadan, participants are encouraged to tighten their devotion and prepare for the celebrations ahead by engaging in good deeds, cleaning their homes, and buying new clothes for the occasion.
Preparation for the holiday often involves significant cultural significance. Not only is there food to prepare for gatherings, but zakat (charity) must also be paid before the Eid prayer, offering to those in need and embodying the spirit of generosity established throughout Ramadan. Recommendations suggest that the zakat amount should be around 250 rubles for the poor, 800 rubles for those of average means, and upwards of 1,300 rubles for the wealthy, should they be able to afford more.
Amidst these cultural celebrations, an exhibition titled 'Ramadan and Ramazani' opened on March 24, 2025, in Istanbul, hosted by the Institute of Manuscripts of Turkey (TYEKB). This exhibition highlights the role of Ramadan in the Islamic heritage, showcasing manuscripts and poetry devoted to the month. “TYEKB preserves the collective memory of our civilization in various fields: from religious sciences to astronomy, physics, geography, and botany,” shared Joshkun Yilmaz, the President of TYEKB, during the opening conference.
The exhibition presents not only historical artifacts but also an homage to the rich literary traditions that celebrate Ramadan, with special attention paid to poetic works that capture the essence of this sacred month. Professor Nihat Oztoprak from Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakif University delivered statements highlighting how poets historically incorporated themes of joy and spirituality into their writings, contributing to an enduring cultural legacy.
This rich intersection of humor, tradition, and celebration encapsulates the current landscape in France. With ongoing tensions around cultural practices being scrutinized, the contrasting narratives built around Ramadan and its implications reflect broader societal sentiments regarding multiculturalism. As the world approaches the end of this important month, the conversations surrounding egg shortages, faith, identity, and the upcoming celebrations of Eid provide a unique lens through which to view modern France.
