Day one of Ramazan was yesterday, Wednesday 11th August.

Fasting is a challenge in any circumstances, but to do so in these hot temperatures, and high humidity is exceptionally tough. 

Those who are observing the daylight fast, woke up early yesterday morning, to prepare and eat their pre-dawn breakfast. 

We know of some people who then went back to bed, to try and sleep through most of the morning, on the basis that you don't feel hungry or thirsty when you are asleep!

Temperatures in Kalkan yesterday afternoon hit 100F (or 38C) in the shade - goodness knows what it was in the direct sun.  And according to the forecast it's not going to get any cooler.

As evening drew nearer, the Belediye feeding station went into overdrive, as they began preparing free food and drink for local people.  People started to arrive from 7.30pm, and queued in an orderly fashion, with lots of greetings and handshakes and hugs.

Just before 8pm, a group of children made their way to the front of the queue and were the first to be served.  The adults followed, collected their food, and found a seat at one of many tables that had been organised into neat rows.

Having sat down, nobody ate.  Nobody took a sip of water.  They were waiting for the signal from the nearby mosque.  At the designated time, a few minutes past 8pm, the mosque sounded and everyone started eating.  In truth, the children had started as soon as they got back to their table, but it would have been harsh to stop them.

The Hoca from the nearby mosque, Enver Yılmaz, was on hand to say a prayer, during which time people briefly stopped eating.

Mayor Saim Karakurt was there to personally welcome people, and there were hundreds of them.  The atmosphere was warm and friendly - it was a great social occasion.  

And a word of praise for the caterers, who were very well organised, with everything appearing to run like clockwork.  The food comprised a lamb and chickpea stew, chicken soup, rice, a yoghurt and cucumber dressing, bread, and fruit.  It was delicious.

Here are a few photos of the evening communal meal.

Below: Tables are prepared, with fresh loaves cut, and placed in plastic bags.

Below: Some of the caterers, washing up as they go along.

Below: Children at the front of the queue receive their food.

 Below: And back at their table, tucking in.

 Below: You can make out the queue on the road, towards the top of the picture.

 Below: We estimate there must have been around 300 seats, and there was more than one sitting.