Gathering at Sunset: Iftar in Bahrain’s Bustling Souks

This series captures the spirit of Iftar — the meal that marks the end of the daily fast during Ramadan — in the bustling souks of Muharraq and Manama. Taken just before and after sunset, the photographs document the quiet anticipation as the call to prayer for Maghreb signals the close of the day’s fast. Ramadan is a time of deep reflection and togetherness. People from all walks of life gather to share in the simple yet profound act of breaking bread — in alleyways, on pavements, around makeshift tables. These scenes show families, friends, and strangers coming together, seated side by side in the warm glow of twilight. From traders closing their stalls to join communal meals, to children passing plates of food between neighbours, the souks are transformed — their usual energy softened into something calm and sacred. The noise of the market fades, and what remains is a collective sense of faith, generosity, and shared pause. These images are not just about food or ritual, but about connection — the quiet power of being present with others in a moment that repeats each day, yet never feels the same.