The beginning of Ramadan was made official with a traditional cannon shot from Sarajevo's Yellow Fortress on March 22. Mosques and minarets all over the historic city were lit up in festive colors as the first Tarawih prayer was offered.
Sarajevo Lights Up As It Celebrates Ramadan
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A cannon fired from Sarajevo's Yellow Fortress at 6:05 p.m. on March 22 signaled the beginning of 30 days of fasting for Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, by praying during the night and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual activity during the period between sunrise and sunset.
Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, by praying during the night and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual activity during the period between sunrise and sunset.
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Hundreds of balloons were also released into the night sky over Sarajevo to signal the start of the holy month.
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City streets in the historic Old Town were lit up in festive colors as part of the Sarajevo Ramadan Festival. The aim of the festival is to foster interreligious dialogue and to promote peace and reconciliation.
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Fireworks were also launched into the night sky over the city.
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Bascarsija Square, with its Ottoman-style Sebilj wooden fountain in the historic Old Town, was also illuminated at dusk. According to a local legend, visitors who drink from the fountain will return to Sarajevo.
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The inner courtyard of the 16th-century Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque was also illuminated. It is the largest historic mosque in Bosnia-Herzegovina and one of the most representative Ottoman structures in the Balkans.
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The light reflected off drops of water from a fountain in the courtyard of the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque created bokeh balls against the Islamic writing on the walls.
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Decorative lights illuminate the Old Town as pedestrians enjoy the atmosphere.
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Decorative lights near a minaret.
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This year, Ramadan will last until approximately April 21, with the celebratory days of Eid al-Fitr starting on April 22.
