The Mesaharati
09-03-2025
As dawn approaches and the streets lie in deep slumber, a familiar rhythmic sound echoes through the alleys. It is the Mesaharati, the nighttime guardian of Ramadan, roaming the neighborhoods with his drum, gently waking the fasting individuals to prepare for Suhoor.
The Mesaharati is not just a Ramadan tradition; it is a ritual filled with childhood memories and strong social bonds. Despite the advent of modern alarm clocks and smartphones, this tradition continues to thrive in some places, maintaining its charm. But how did this practice begin? And how has it evolved over time? This is what we will explore in the following lines.
When Did the Mesaharati Profession Begin?
The Mesaharati profession dates back to the early Islamic era. The Companion Bilal ibn Rabah used to call for Suhoor, while Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum would call for Imsak, forming the first system to alert people for fasting. As Islamic societies developed, rulers and governors began relying on specialized individuals to roam the streets and wake people up. Some sources indicate that Anbasa ibn Ishaq was the first to introduce this practice in 228 AH, walking through the streets of Al-Askar in Al-Fustat to Amr ibn Al-As Mosque, calling people to prepare for Suhoor.
The Mesaharati in the Ottoman Era:
During the Ottoman Empire, this tradition became an essential part of Ramadan’s ambiance. The Mesaharati was known as "Ramazan Davulcusu", carrying a large drum (Davul) and roaming the neighborhoods to wake the fasting individuals before dawn. His role was not limited to drumming, but he also chanted prayers and recited poetry, making his presence a spiritual and social element of Ramadan.
How Does the Mesaharati Wake People for Suhoor?
Although the methods of the Mesaharati vary from one country to another, there are common elements that define this tradition. The Mesaharati employs several traditional means to wake people up for Suhoor:
- Drumming or Playing the Flute: The Mesaharati carries a drum or flute and plays it rhythmically to wake people up before Fajr prayer.
- Reciting Chants and Religious Invocations: He repeats religious phrases and supplications, such as:
- "Ya Na’im, Wahhid Al-Da’im" (O sleeper, affirm the Everlasting One!)
- "Ya Ghafi, Wahhid Allah" (O heedless one, declare the oneness of God!)
- "Qumu ila Suhoorikum, Ja’a Ramadan Yazurukum" (Rise for your Suhoor, Ramadan has come to visit you!)
- Calling Out Residents by Name: In some areas, the Mesaharati calls people by their names or addresses them by their family nicknames, strengthening social connections and adding a personal touch to his role.
- Knocking on Doors with a Stick: In some countries, the Mesaharati would knock on doors with a stick to wake residents, especially in areas where musical instruments were not commonly used.
- Using Wind Instruments: In Morocco, the Mesaharati is called "An-Naffar", named after the long brass wind instrument he uses to wake people up for Suhoor.
The Mesaharati in Turkish Society: More Than Just a Ramadan Tradition
Despite modern technology and the availability of alarms, the Mesaharati remains a cherished part of Ramadan’s heritage in Turkey, wandering the streets with his drum, dressed in traditional Ottoman attire.
- A Social Role That Strengthens Community Bonds
The Mesaharati is not just someone who beats the drum; he is a familiar figure in the neighborhood, interacting with people and calling them by name, making his presence an integral part of Turkish society during Ramadan. Many families eagerly anticipate his nightly rounds, and children enthusiastically engage with him. - Recognition and Appreciation from Residents
Although the Mesaharati performs his role without official compensation, residents honor him on Eid night by offering him a financial gift or symbolic present as a token of gratitude for his service throughout the month. In some villages, the Mesaharati continues to visit homes after Ramadan to collect his reward in a festive and celebratory manner. - Municipal Efforts to Preserve This Cultural Heritage
The Mesaharati is no longer a random profession; municipalities regulate his work and grant official permits to practice this role. Some cities, such as Edirne, have even introduced training courses to teach new Mesaharatis the traditional Ottoman drumming techniques used for Ramadan. - Declining Presence in Major Cities but Thriving in Villages
While the Mesaharati's presence in major cities has diminished due to modern technology, he remains a strong tradition in villages and rural areas, where people continue to cherish authentic Ramadan customs.
The Mesaharati Between the Past and the Present: A Tradition That Defies Time
Although the Mesaharati is deeply rooted in Islamic societies, this tradition has not been confined to the past; it has endured through time, adapting to changing social and technological landscapes. Some modern Mesaharatis now use megaphones instead of drums or incorporate unique prayers and supplications into their routine.
In modern cities, the Mesaharati has become less common due to the widespread use of alarms and digital reminders. However, in villages and traditional neighborhoods, people still eagerly await the sound of his drum, reliving the nostalgic Ramadan atmosphere. Thus, the Mesaharati remains a timeless Ramadan symbol, deeply embedded in the collective memory of Muslims, preserving its heritage despite modernization.
To read more articles about Ramadan in Turkey, you can visit the following article: Ramadan Cannon
Conclusion:
Throughout history, the Mesaharati has remained an inseparable part of Ramadan's spirit, carrying the essence of the past and the beauty of old traditions. Despite the many changes in daily life, his voice still echoes in some neighborhoods, adding a warm and nostalgic touch that brings back the authentic Ramadan nights.
Whether this tradition continues as it is or becomes a cherished memory, the Mesaharati will always be a symbol of Ramadan, a witness to a time when simplicity and human connection were at the heart of the holy month’s celebrations.