In Istanbul, drummers keep ancient Ramadan tradition alive

ISTANBUL (AP) — In the dark of night, when the streets of Istanbul enjoy a rare moment of quiet, Ali Buldu sets out beating his drum to wake up his neighborhood. For most, Buldu’s passing is a welcomed sign that the Muslim month of fasting and prayer has begun.
The 55-year-old decked in traditional Ottoman attire has been making these pre-dawn Ramadan rounds for half of his life. It’s a tradition he treasures, just like his forefathers did, and one that he is trying to pass on