22.02.2026 09:02
In the village of Hacıbalı in Kırıkkale, meals are not prepared in homes during Ramadan; with the support of philanthropists, the villagers gather every evening at communal iftar tables to break their fast, strengthening unity and solidarity.
In the village of Hacıbalı, located in the Yahşihan district of Kırıkkale, the month of Ramadan is experienced in unity and solidarity through communal iftar tables. While no meals are cooked at home during Ramadan, four types of dishes are prepared with the contributions of benevolent individuals who are financially well-off. Citizens gather at the village mansion at iftar time to break their fast together. As iftar time approaches, the village's youth serve the meals at the tables, paying special attention to the elderly citizens.
STRENGTHENING NEIGHBORHOOD BONDS
With the call to prayer, villagers of all ages gather at the same table to share the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan together. The communal iftar tables not only strengthen neighborhood bonds but also bring together relatives and friends who have not seen each other for a long time. Citizens express that these gatherings bring them closer and increase solidarity. This practice, initiated by the village administration in 2024, has become a tradition. The iftar gatherings that continue throughout the month of Ramadan are preserved as one of the finest examples of sharing and brotherhood in Hacıbalı village.
"TWO OR THREE OF OUR CITIZENS PROVIDE FOOD FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH"
The village headman of Hacıbalı, İbrahim Sağkol, stated that the practice has become traditional, saying, "Last year, we came together for iftar for 30 days. We continued in the same way this year. We have made it a tradition. Every year, two or three of our well-off citizens provide food for the sake of Allah. Everyone breaks their fast here. No meals are cooked at home during Ramadan. We will continue in unity and solidarity from now on."
"IT USED TO BE HARD TO FIND A PLATE OF FOOD"
Arif Karakuş (70), one of the villagers, expressed that the communal tables strengthen neighborhood bonds, stating, "This environment is very good. There are meals at home with two people, but here there is unity and solidarity. We see neighbors and relatives we haven't seen."
Mehmet Karakuş also emphasized that the old traditions and customs are being preserved, stating that a beautiful example of solidarity among villagers is being displayed and wishing for the event to continue for many years. Dursun Uçar (73) expressed his satisfaction with the practice, saying, "This place is very good, people are coming together. We see friends we haven't seen. It used to be hard to find a plate of food. Now there are four types of dishes."