Gazipaşa upholds ban on Ramadan drums

A ban on the centuries-old tradition of pre-dawn drumming to wake Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan will be implemented for the fourth consecutive year in Antalya’s Gazipaşa district.

Gazipaşa Mayor Cemburak Özgenç, a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, told the Doğan news agency that he respects the tradition but is against noise pollution that disturbs local residents.

According to tradition, drummers stroll the streets every morning before dawn during Ramadan, loudly beating drums to wake believers for a light meal, called “sahur,” after which the daylong fasting begins.

Özgenç said the ban on drummers was first implemented four years ago based on demands from the people of Gazipaşa. “Technology has given us alarm clocks, cell phones,” he said. “You can easily get up for sahur with their help. There is no need for drummers, who filled a gap in the past. That is why we have imposed the ban.”

The mayor said those who violate the ban and play drums in the streets in the hopes of receiving tips at the end of Ramadan will be fined by the zabıta, the municipal police.