Hisamatsu, a native of Japan, has visited Safranbolu in Ramadan for the past five years to share the joy of the holy month with residents of the area. “I love participating in Ramadan activities and experiencing Turkish traditions. I started to fast after I visited Safranbolu for the first time. I don't feel like a stranger here because everyone treats me as a friend,” Hisamatsu noted.
Though he has difficulty adapting to fasting during the daytime, Hisamatsu said he feels at peace when observing the fast. “I have difficulties on some days and suffer from thirst in particular. Fasting gives me peace. I am not a follower of any religion, but I am happy experiencing Turkish traditions. I love participating in Ramadan traditions. I partake in the pre-dawn meal with the family I am staying with and stay hungry and thirsty the whole day. Then we sit around the dinner table and wait for the time to break our fast. This gives me spiritual strength,” he remarked. The Japanese tourist also said he wants to bring his friends to Turkey next Ramadan. “I will continue to visit Safranbolu in the years ahead,” he noted.
