Lifestyle
Ramadan under midnight sun: Canada’s unique Muslim community
Muslims who gathered at the Midnight Sun Mosque in the Canadian Arctic to break the Ramadan fast this week enjoyed home-cooked Sudanese food in a tranquil setting with breathtaking surroundings.
But it wasn’t for everyone.
“I’m stuck. Every year I go, ‘This is my last year in Inuvik,'” said Abadallah el-Bekai, a Lebanese-born Palestinian, who chuckled as he reflected on his efforts to leave the community in Canada’s Northwest Territories, where he has lived for 25 years.
“God didn’t agree with me going. Maybe I made bad in my life, God sent me here!” the 75-year-old said.
The Midnight Sun Mosque, widely referred to as the “Little Mosque on the Tundra,” opened its doors in August 2010 to serve a growing number of Muslim Canadians who were migrating north for work.
The structure was built in Winnipeg, in the province of Manitoba and driven 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) north on a truck.
It is now the northernmost mosque in the Western Hemisphere.
The imam, Saleh Hasabelnabi, has lived in Inuvik for 16 years. He told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the congregation is no longer growing, but has remained stable at roughly 100 to 120 members.
Muslims who live around the Arctic Circle face challenges adhering to their faith, notably when trying to follow a prayer schedule linked to the position of the sun.
Inuvik gets 24 hours of sunlight more than 50 days a year and sees polar nights – or no direct sunlight – about 30 days each year.
“The first time was like a shock. I can’t believe it. The first time in my life I pray five times, the sun is still up,” Hasabelnabi said, recalling his first summer in Inuvik.
The community has implemented a rule that it adheres to the local time in Mecca, Islam’s holiest city.
Mohamed Asad Behrawar, who works in accounting and recently moved to Inuvik, said adjusting to the white nights wasn’t difficult because he had previously lived in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, which also has long summer days.
“But it’s still hard to adjust to this environment. It’s harsh,” the 36-year-old told AFP.
Braving frigid weather, members gathered at the Midnight Sun on Sunday to break the fast on the third day of Ramadan.
They brought multiple chicken dishes, rice and other fare packed in containers and sat together, including El-Bekai, who, despite his eagerness to live elsewhere, happily chatted as he ate.
Inuvik’s population is about 3,400 people and the Midnight Sun’s congregation includes those who came to Canada as refugees, ultimately moving north seeking higher incomes.
Several work as taxi drivers in the community just south of the tree line.
Abdul Wahab Saleem, a 37-year-old Islamic scholar visiting from Edmonton, described the Muslims in Inuvik as a “visible minority.”
“You walk around outside, you will see Muslims all the time, every time you get a cab, more than likely it’s going to be a Muslim,” he said.
Venice is looking at expanding its tourist entry fee, applying it for a longer period of the year and raising the daily charge to as much as €30 ($34), a senior official in the city government has said.
Budget and taxation councilor Michele Zuin said the current fee of €5 to €10 ($5.7 to $11.5 ) was too low to safeguard against overtourism, but said the new price for 2027 would have to be discussed and agreed with the government.
“The current €5-10 charge is affordable for virtually everyone; the risk is that it no longer has the deterrent effect that this measure is supposed to have,” Zuin told the Sunday edition of regional daily Il Gazzettino.
In remarks that were widely picked up by national media on Monday, the councillor said there was “even talk of (going up to) €50 ($57),” but added that authorities could settle for a maximum charge of €30.
The tourist fee, applicable only to day-trippers, was introduced in 2024, in a world first. Early bookers get to pay the lower rate and there are several exemptions, including for children under 14.
In 2026, it was operational on selected days from April 3 to July 26, from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and brought into city coffers more than €5.2 million ($5.9 million) from the sale of just under 680,000 entry tickets.
In a city that has long suffered from overtourism and depopulation, local officials say the scheme is meant to encourage visitors to avoid the most crowded periods of the year, such as the May Day public holiday.
Tokyo tourist hot spot Shinjuku will impose a ban on more than half of its holiday rentals, including homes on Airbnb, an official said Monday, after a surge in complaints about visitors.
Known for its buzzing commercial and entertainment district, the ward hosts nearly 10% of Japan’s 42,000 short-term rentals.
But it also has a large residential population, who have become increasingly exasperated with tourists who fail to properly dispose of rubbish, smoke where they’re not supposed to, and make too much noise.
A Shinjuku official supervising holiday rentals told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the district was “planning to revise the current ordinance … to ban private lodging” in residential zones and areas near schools.
“As the number of private lodging businesses has risen, complaints and troubles around them have increased,” the official said on customary condition of anonymity.
More than 50% of short-term rentals in Shinjuku face a ban under the new rules, he said, adding that the plan would formally be announced by the Shinjuku mayor on Tuesday.
Shinjuku’s policy will apply to existing properties, he added.
The move comes as other cities around the world attempt to crack down on private lodgings available on Airbnb and other platforms, including New York City and Barcelona.
Like elsewhere, overtourism has emerged as a major issue in Japan.
Residents of Kyoto and other hot spots have expressed annoyance at selfie-taking crowds as well as traffic congestion and soaring land prices.
In Shinjuku, the number of complaints over vacation rentals increased by around 40% in the fiscal year to March, the official said.
“Many complaints are about the violation of trash disposal rules while others include smoking and trespassing,” he said.
Shinjuku’s ban comes after the Japan Tourism Agency in July gave municipalities the right to regulate short-term lodgings if “a tranquil living and educational environment” is under threat or if they “hinder the maintenance of a permanent population and local community.”
Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto is also considering a ban on short-term lodging, but only for new rentals within residential and industrial areas.
Several Airbnb hosts contacted by AFP declined to comment.
Visitors to Hasankeyf, one of southeastern Türkiye’s major tourism destinations, are exploring the district’s historic and natural attractions through boat tours on the Ilısu Dam reservoir.
Located in Batman province, Hasankeyf is considered one of the world’s oldest settlements and continues to attract visitors with traces of civilizations that have shaped the region over centuries.
The district is known for historic landmarks including the Imam Abdullah Tomb, Zeynel Bey Tomb, Artuqid Bath, Hasankeyf Museum and Er-Rızk Mosque. The Ilısu Dam reservoir has also given the area a new character, offering visitors an opportunity to experience its landscape from the water.
Domestic and international tourists visiting Hasankeyf can tour its historic sites before taking boat trips across the reservoir to see its canyons and Hasankeyf Castle.
Before setting off, guides brief passengers on safety rules and provide information about the historic castles, caves and canyons along the route. The boat tours last about an hour, allowing visitors to take in the area’s natural and historic scenery.
‘The boat tour was excellent’
Mustafa Yıldız, who traveled from Manisa as part of a tour of the southeastern Anatolia region, said his group visited Hasankeyf after stopping in Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa and Mardin.
“I really liked Hasankeyf. The boat tour was especially excellent. We really enjoyed seeing the canyons and caves,” Yıldız told Anadolu Agency.
Ramazan Kızar, who traveled from Batman to visit the district, said Hasankeyf was an important destination for cultural and historical tourism.
Kızar said the boat tour gave him the chance to see the historic castle and canyons.
“Thanks to the boat tour I took with my daughter and wife, we are exploring Hasankeyf’s unique beauty,” he said.
52,000 visitors take boat tours
Şehmus Batıhan, a captain and member of the Hasankeyf Kale Tourism Cooperative, said the cooperative operates eight boats offering tours of the reservoir.
Hasankeyf becomes particularly busy with domestic and international visitors during the summer months, Batıhan said, adding that the boat tours have brought additional activity to the district alongside its historic sites.
Visitors are picked up at the harbor and taken on a tour covering the area where the old settlement once stood. The tours last approximately one hour, he said.
“About 52,000 guests have taken advantage of the boat tours in the past eight months,” Batıhan said. “We also provide our guests with information about Hasankeyf’s history during the tours.”
He added that many visitors from European countries join the boat trips.
“Visitors can see many important historical works here and they really enjoy the boat tours,” Batıhan said.
Bosnia’s capital, Sarajevo, is enjoying a robust summer season, with concerts, cultural events and its internationally renowned film festival drawing visitors from across Europe and beyond.
More than 100,000 tourists visited the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina in July, according to the Federal News Agency, as the city increasingly attracts travelers for its music, cinema, gastronomy and natural attractions alongside its historical heritage.
Three concerts by regional music star Dino Merlin at Kosevo Stadium in late July and early August attracted more than 200,000 people in total.
Visitors traveled from across the Balkans and other parts of Europe, putting hotels and private accommodation under significant pressure.
Sarajevo recorded nearly 78 million euros ($91 million) in fiscal turnover during the three concert days, with restaurants, cafes, shops and transportation companies benefiting from the influx.
The concerts were followed by a performance by British electronic music group The Prodigy on Aug. 13 and by the opening of the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) the following day.
Established in 1995 during the final year of the siege of Sarajevo, the festival has developed into one of southeastern Europe’s leading film events. This year’s guests included Woody Harrelson, Emily Watson, Pawel Pawlikowski, Diego Luna, Asghar Farhadi and Celine Sciamma.
In addition to these entertainment and cultural events, Sarajevo offers a blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, along with landmarks linked to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and sites preserving the memory of the 1992-1995 siege.
Its proximity to the Olympic mountains of Trebevic, Bjelasnica, Igman and Jahorina also allows travelers to combine a city break with hiking, cycling and winter sports.
Major events are becoming increasingly important for Sarajevo’s tourism economy by attracting new visitors, extending stays and boosting spending across the city.
Üsküdar’s Gastronomy Street has grown into an international culinary hub, blending old-world charm with a global twist.
Set in one of Istanbul’s oldest and most characterful districts, Üsküdar sits on the Asian shore of the Bosporus. Known for its Ottoman-era mosques, historic neighborhoods and iconic waterfront views.
Gastronomy Street has become a place for more than just eating. People come here to meet, explore, discover new flavors or simply linger and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The 250-meter (820-foot) street has become a popular destination for locals and visitors eager to discover something new without leaving the neighborhood.
On June 18, 2022, the Gastronomy Festival marked the opening of Üsküdar Gastronomy Street, the country’s first food-focused street.
The culinary hot spot brings together traditional Turkish favorites and global flavors. Regional specialties take center stage, from smoky Erzurum cağ kebab sliced fresh from the spit to juicy köfte sizzling on the grill. Nearby, Lebanese falafel comes crisp and herb-packed, while Italian kitchens serve pasta and freshly baked pizza. Japanese sushi and loaded American-style burgers round out the international offerings.
For those with a sweet tooth, the street offers an equally tempting selection, from creamy San Sebastian cheesecake, Lotus trileçe, Pavlova and buttery croissants to classic Turkish desserts such as baklava and sütlaç, making it easy to turn a quick meal into an all-day culinary adventure.
The street is also known for its strong sense of community, with Palestinian flags, symbols and messages of solidarity visible among some of its cafes and businesses. This gives the area a distinctive social character, where food, creativity and community expression come together.
With dozens of businesses operating along the street, the area creates opportunities for employment, supports nearby suppliers and encourages visitors to spend more time and money in the neighborhood.
A study of the street found about 60 businesses, including 32 gastronomy-related establishments, highlighting how food and hospitality have become an important part of its local economy.
Located in the heart of Üsküdar, the charming street is easy to reach by public transportation. Visitors can arrive via the Marmaray or take a ferry from Beşiktaş, Karaköy, Eminönü or Kadıköy, making its central location one of the reasons it remains a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Stretching from the historic Uncular Caddesi to Valide-i Cedid Mosque. The area is pedestrian-friendly, allowing visitors to wander freely without car traffic. Vehicles are not permitted along the street itself, although paid parking options are available nearby.
This lively street offers more than just food. Alongside its diverse culinary scene, Üsküdar’s Gastronomy Street is lined with cozy cafes that cater to all kinds of visitors.
Workshops are also becoming a growing part of the area’s appeal, giving visitors the chance to try something new, meet people from different places and get creative through activities such as ceramics, ebru, tile painting, candle making, watercolor and glass art.
These hands-on experiences add another dimension to a visit, turning time in Üsküdar into an opportunity to create, connect and take home something personal.
For students, the street’s many book-themed cafes provide calm, comfortable spaces for studying long hours, whether alone or with a group. Its convenient public transport connections also make it easy to reach universities and other parts of Istanbul.
As evening arrives, the atmosphere shifts, with people gathering around the cafes to sip Turkish tea, unwind and enjoy long, unhurried conversations.
Summer is winding down, but Bodrum is still serving its final highlights. From Michelin-starred tables and standout pop-ups to opera under the stars at the ancient theater, the last days of August have given us plenty to remember. A little gastronomy, a little culture, a lot of Aegean energy – this is what the final days of summer looked like.
Summer always ends in fragments: a long dinner that turns into one last drink, a sunset that somehow feels more precious because we know there are only a few left, a table by the sea and the familiar feeling that we are already beginning to miss something we are still living. As August draws to a close, Bodrum seems to understand this better than anywhere else. The final days of summer are not really about saying goodbye; they are about collecting the last memorable moments before the season slips away.
This year, gastronomy and music provided some of those moments. At Avantgarde Refined Yalıkavak, tucked into the tranquil atmosphere of Küdür Bay and featured in the Michelin Guide Hotels Selection, summer came with an ambitious culinary agenda. The hotel brought together some of Türkiye’s much-loved gastronomic names under one roof through its Legends of All Times Turkish Brands Gastronomy Series. Hodan Yalıkavak, Sushi Barba, POCO Matcha and Ace Culinary already give the property a distinctly eclectic gastronomic identity, while the summer series turned the hotel into something of a meeting point for Türkiye’s culinary scene.
July brought ZMASS Burger, Bayramoğlu Döner and Mahir Lokantası, while August continued the journey with Trilye and Fauna, alongside the return of the Sunday brunches. Trilye, awarded two toques by Gault&Millau Türkiye, arrived on Aug. 19-20 with its refined seafood-focused cuisine. Fauna will follow on Aug. 26-27 for its first pop-up at Avantgarde Refined Yalıkavak, bringing the Istanbul restaurant’s deliberately simple, seasonal and ingredient-driven approach to Bodrum.
There is something particularly fitting about ending the summer around a table. After all, Turkish summer culture has always been as much about food as it is about the sea. The best memories are rarely complicated: a plate arriving at the table, an unexpected conversation, the sound of ice in a glass and the feeling that nobody is in a hurry to leave.
Night with the Limak Philharmonic Orchestra
On Aug. 22, the ancient stones of Bodrum’s 2,500-year-old theater became the setting for an evening that felt almost cinematic. The Limak Philharmonic Orchestra marked Limak’s 50th anniversary with its traditional summer concert, conducted by Darko Butorac and joined by tenor Murat Karahan and soprano Tamara Radjenovic.
The program moved effortlessly between opera classics and much-loved pieces from cinema and popular music. Karahan brought Puccini’s “Nessun dorma” and “Ch’ella mi creda” to the stage, while Radjenovic performed the Habanerafrom Bizet’s “Carmen” and “Sempre libera” from Verdi’s “La Traviata.” Their duet of Agustín Lara’s Granada became one of the evening’s highlights, while music from “Cinema Paradiso” and “Gladiator,” Ennio Morricone’s unforgettable melodies, and Time to Say Goodbye gave the night a more nostalgic dimension.
Perhaps the most memorable part was precisely this mixture: an ancient theater, music written centuries apart, and a summer audience gathered under the Bodrum sky. The evening ended with Karahan and Radjenovic performing “Yaralı Gönül” together, leaving the audience with the kind of finale that makes you wish summer had a few more weeks left.
But the concert was not only about celebration. All ticket proceeds will support Limak Foundation’s Türkiye’s Engineers Girls program, which has been running for 11 years and supports women studying engineering. Since expanding internationally in 2022 as Global Engineer Girls, the program has reached young women in countries including Kosovo, North Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Ivory Coast and Mozambique.
Weekend reset at The Bodrum EDITION
In addition to all the dinners, concerts and late-summer gatherings, there was also room for something a little quieter: a weekend reset at The Bodrum EDITION. Joined by lululemon Yoga Ambassador Duygu Erokan for a morning yoga session, I found my way back to the mat after a long break, and it felt surprisingly good. The flow was followed by KOOL Seed protein drinks, and discovering a new brand made the experience even better. My favourite was the banana, peanut butter and oat milk combination: simple, delicious and exactly the kind of post-yoga fuel that makes you want to keep the good habits going. A little movement, a little discovery, and a much-needed reminder that sometimes getting back to yourself starts with simply getting back on the mat.
Final takeaway
Perhaps this is what will remain from Bodrum this summer: a few extraordinary dinners, music echoing through an ancient theatre, the taste of the Aegean, long nights that seemed endless until suddenly they weren’t, and those small moments of slowing down that somehow become the ones we remember most.
Bodrum leaves us with a familiar feeling that summer is never quite long enough. But maybe that is the magic of it. We leave with salt still on our skin, one last sunset in our minds and the slightly ridiculous hope that the season might somehow wait for us. It won’t. And maybe that is exactly why, every year, we come back.
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