Turaif's Ramadan Cannon Shots Signal the Start of Holy Month

The Ramadan cannon in Turaif is a traditional symbol that announces Iftar, Suhoor, and Imsak times, preserving a cherished cultural practice.

Turaif, March 7, 2025 – The Ramadan cannon in Turaif holds a special place in the hearts and traditions of the local community, symbolizing the deep cultural customs associated with the holy month of Ramadan. This age-old practice, which has been passed down through generations, serves as a significant reminder of the arrival of Ramadan and has become an integral part of the daily routines during this sacred month. The cannon, which announces the precise times for Iftar (the breaking of the fast) and Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal), has long been cherished as a key marker for the beginning and end of each fasting day in Turaif.

Historically, before the widespread availability of modern communication technologies, the Ramadan cannon served as the primary means of informing the public about the exact times for Iftar, Suhoor, and the critical fasting periods. The distinctive blast of the cannon, which echoes across the town, remains a nostalgic reminder of the simple yet profound ways in which people once kept track of their spiritual duties.

Mamdouh Al-Khamsan, a local historian, shared that during Ramadan, security personnel were tasked with ensuring the cannon’s maintenance and cleanliness throughout the month. The cannon was fired at specific times: once at Iftar to announce the breaking of the fast, just before Suhoor to signal the upcoming meal, and at Imsak—the moment when people must abstain from eating and drinking—before the Fajr prayer. These blasts marked the rhythm of the day, providing both practical and symbolic guidance for the community.

The process of firing the cannon was a carefully orchestrated ritual. The cannon would be prepared by gathering fabric sacks and filling them with gunpowder, after which the barrel was sealed tightly with fabric to ensure that the powder settled properly. Once the cannon was ready, the person in charge would wait for the call to prayer from the mosque’s muezzin, signaling the right moment for the cannon’s ignition. A fuse was lit, and the resulting loud explosion would reverberate throughout the district, marking a significant moment in the day’s Ramadan routine.

Today, while modern technology has made it easier to track the times for Iftar and Suhoor, the Ramadan cannon remains an iconic and cherished tradition in Turaif. It serves as a tangible connection to the past, a reminder of the community's enduring commitment to its heritage, and a symbol of the unity and shared experience that defines the spirit of Ramadan. The cannon continues to hold sentimental value for the people of Turaif, embodying the timeless practices that bind them together in faith and tradition.