Gathering at Sunset: Iftar in Bahrain’s Bustling Souks

This series of photos captures the spirit of Iftar, the meal with which Muslims break their fast during the month of Ramadan. Taken in and around the bustling souks of Muharraq and Manama, these images document the moments just before and after sunset, as the call to prayer for Maghreb signals the end of the day's fast. Ramadan, a month of deep spiritual reflection and community, sees people from all walks of life come together to share in the simple yet profound act of breaking their fast. These photos highlight the intimate, everyday settings of Fatoor (Iftar) — from small, everyday shops to open-air locations in the heart of Bahrain's traditional markets. The scenes show people gathering in groups, seated on the ground or around makeshift tables, united in faith and tradition. From the traders closing their stalls to join in the communal meal to families and friends sitting side by side, these images reflect the harmony and shared experience that characterises Iftar in Bahrain. The souks, usually busy with commerce, are transformed into spaces of togetherness and quiet joy, where the sounds of the city soften, giving way to the sacred moment of breaking the fast. These photographs tell a story not just of food and ritual, but of connection, unity, and the deep cultural significance of Ramadan in the heart of Bahrain’s vibrant markets.