In Egypt, the tradition of firing a cannon during fasting time

Various countries have certain traditions during Ramadan. For example in Egypt, during Ramadan there is a tradition of firing cannons when breaking the fast.

There is some background about the tradition, including the period related to the Mamluk Sultanate in the 15th century and 19th century Egypt, as quoted by Arab News.

The story in the era of the Sultanate of Mamluk Cairo, when it wanted to test the latest cannon. When trying to coincide with sunset. Residents thought the cannon fire was to tell the time to break the fast.

The Sultan saw the response of residents who considered the cannon fire as a new innovation. So the cannon fire continued every time to break the fast.

Another story, in the 19th century, Egyptian ruler Muhammad Ali fired a cannon made in Germany at dusk. Residents thought the shot was a sign to break the fast. There are also related to the Khedive Ismail era still in the 19th century. The story is when the army was testing the cannon at dusk - which is also thought to be a sign of breaking the fast.

But the tradition of firing cannons was also carried out in several countries other than Egypt, namely the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Kuwait, and the mountainous regions of Mecca.

Cannon fire when breaking in Mecca was carried out by government security officers. The habit of firing cannons is most favored by children who are waiting for the sunset during Ramadan.

Quoting Inside Arabia, some experts argue that the habit of firing the cannon originated in Egypt. However several different notes, especially related to time. The most popular story shows that tradition began in the 15th century, the era of the Mamluk Sultanate.

Source: tempo