Ayşe Alkan: Keeping drumming tradition alive in Turkey’s Kuzköy

KUZKÖY, Türkiye (MNTV) – For the past 18 years, Ayşe Alkan, a 53-year-old mother of three from Kuzköy, a village in the Çeltikçi district of Burdur, southwestern Türkiye, has been fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a Ramadan drummer. 

Every night during the holy month, Alkan roams the streets of her village, waking residents for sahur, the pre-dawn meal before fasting, and keeping alive a centuries-old tradition that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. 

Ramadan drumming is a cherished practice in Türkiye, where thousands of drummers take to the streets at dawn after passing an exam or receiving permission from local municipalities or village headmen. 

These drummers, who enhance the spirit of Ramadan by playing rhythmic beats and reciting traditional rhymes, rely on tips collected throughout the month as their primary income.  

Alkan’s journey into Ramadan drumming began in 2005 when her husband first took up the tradition. Two years later, when he left for work in Antalya, she saw an opportunity to fulfill her childhood dream. 

“Women can achieve anything they set their minds to,” Alkan told Anadolu Agency (AA). 

“I told my son, ‘Let’s play the drum together’, when my husband went to Antalya to work. He played in one neighborhood while I played in another. Times were tough back then, and many people gave us generous tips. The villagers never turned me away’, she said.   

Alkan’s passion for drumming was inspired by her childhood experiences. 

She recalled, “We were seven siblings, and my family worked as shepherds. When the drummers came for sahur, my parents would wake up to fast, waking me up too. My father would give tips to the drummers, drawing my attention to drumming.’”  

Despite changes in the village over the years, including a decline in population, Alkan continues to find joy in her work. Her biggest dream now is to go on an Umrah pilgrimage, a spiritual journey to Mecca.  

Her husband, Ramazan Alkan, expressed his full support for her efforts, emphasizing his trust in her abilities. 

Kuzköy’s village headman, Arif Altaş, praised Alkan’s dedication, noting that she has been the village’s Ramadan drummer since 2007 and that residents deeply appreciate her commitment to preserving the tradition.  

The Ramadan drumming tradition dates back to the Ottoman era, a time when alarm clocks did not exist, and drummers played a vital role in ensuring that people woke up in time for sahur. 

Despite the advent of modern technology and changing urban lifestyles, the tradition remains a beloved symbol of community spirit and cultural heritage in Türkiye. 

It serves as a bridge between generations, connecting people to their past while fostering a sense of togetherness during the holy month of Ramadan.  

Ayşe Alkan’s story is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the resilience of those who dedicate themselves to preserving it. 

Her journey as a Ramadan drummer not only honors her village’s cultural heritage but also inspires others to embrace and celebrate the values of community, perseverance, and faith.