By Sophia Herndon

Students and staff gathered at the University of Maryland’s Adele H. Stamp Student Union Wednesday for an Iftar dinner during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Iftar is a community-oriented dinner that breaks the daily fast at sunset. Participants traditionally start by eating dates before praying and sharing large meals. Stamp is holding free events with food, music, prizes and more throughout February and March for Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. 

“Ramadan is a time for community,” said sophomore bioengineering major Zuleyha Akpinar.

Akpinar is the treasurer of Bridging Paths, a club that helped manage the Iftar dinner. She explained the importance of bringing different cultures together. 

Bridging Paths focuses on interface and intercultural dialogue among UMD students and staff. The club invites different faiths and groups to connect.

“We thought there was a lot of division on campus, and we noticed that a lot of different groups weren’t mixing together even though UMD is a very vibrant and diverse community,” Akpinar said.

The dinners at Stamp are a way to conjoin multiple groups. These events give students and staff the chance to immerse themselves in their community.

“We’re keeping it open to everybody,” said junior computer science major Ceyhun Yagar, who attended the dinner. 

Yagar is the vice president of Bridging Paths and explained how Ramadan is the perfect time for everyone to come together and get involved.

He explained that Ramadan is a time to reflect on the blessings in life, especially during the time of fasting, which takes place from sunrise to sundown.

“You’re limiting yourself from the blessings of this world, and you’re grateful for what you have,” Yagar said.

Asim Golcuk, a junior who is planning to major in bioengineering, was also in attendance. He shared a similar view, saying the event brings different groups of people together. 

Golcuk lived in Turkey and observed Ramadan with his family and community. He remembers these meals fondly and appreciates the events held at UMD.

“It was always a great time, and it’s good to see this environment as well,” Golcuk said.

Featured Image: Guests gather at the Iftar dinner for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan on Feb. 26. Photo by Sophia Herndon.