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Festival to break the fast in Hamburg
Photo: Eman Helal / dpa
"Happy Eid!": For millions of Muslims around the world, the holy month of Ramadan came to an end on Monday with the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier wished the Muslims in this country a “blessed celebration of breaking the fast”.
But many people's hearts will be heavy because of the war of aggression in the middle of Europe, which violates international law, Steinmeier explained in a message.
The so-called Sugar Festival is again accompanied by restrictions for many people this year in view of rising prices for food and fuel.
In the past two years, corona requirements had already caused restraint at the celebrations.
Sugar prices have risen – baklava is becoming a luxury good
In Turkey, for example, the celebrations after Ramadan have become significantly more expensive.
Also because of the increased sugar prices, the popular pastry baklava has become a luxury item for many this year, reports Halk TV.
Even during Ramadan, many people in Istanbul were queuing in front of tents where free food was given out to break the fast in the evening.
"This is the new reality of ordinary people - as opposed to the luxury palace in Ankara," said a man waiting, alluding to the pompous palace built in the Turkish capital under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
For many Arab countries, Russia and Ukraine are important suppliers of wheat and sunflower oil.
Because of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, food has become expensive and scarce in many places.
Between sunrise no food, no drink, no smoking - and no sex
The start and end of Ramadan can vary slightly from country to country as they depend on the sighting of the new moon.
Saudi Arabia, which is home to the two holiest sites in Islam, Mecca and Medina, declared Sunday the last day of the month of fasting and Monday the start of Eid al-Fitr.
In Germany, too, Muslims celebrate Eid from Monday.
In Afghanistan, however, the festivities had already begun on Sunday.
During Ramadan, which began in April this year, devout Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex between sunrise and sunset.
Fasting is one of the five basic duties of the Muslim faith.
During the three-day Sugar Festival, children receive gifts and sweets.
has/dpa