By Burak Bir
LONDON (AA) - Dozens of children attended an iftar or fast-breaking meal Sunday for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan organized by Turkish-Muslim group the Islamic Community Milli Gorus (ICMG) in London.
The iftar event, which was exclusively prepared for children by the ICMG's Kids Club, was attended by more than 60 children at the community's center in Tottenham, north London.
The event's theme was "As the Kids Club, we share the blessings and love of Ramadan."
The iftar hall was decorated in a colorful Ramadan theme that included balloons and banners as well as gifts for the children.
The kids were greeted by two people in ant costumes at the entrance before entering the hall.
During the event, children took part in competitions including Islamic knowledge quizzes.
The winners were presented with gifts at the end of the program.
A Karagoz-Hacivat play, a traditional Turkish shadow play, highly attracted children's attention before the beginning of the iftar.
After the iftar, the group's staff members and kids cut a big cake featuring the “Kids Club” on it.
Sibel Sicimogullari, head of the ICMG's Kids Club, told Anadolu that as Turks living abroad, they do not want their children to be inspired by the activities of other cultures.
She underlined that one of the goals is to "let our own children feel the Ramadan when we were children."
Sicimogullari said these events also help children not to lose their Turkish identity and culture.
She also noted that the ICMG wants to make this event an annual one.
During Ramadan, Muslims traditionally fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking and physical intimacy.
Throughout the holy month, Muslims are encouraged to pray more, especially at night, recite the Holy Quran, give to those in need and avoid any wrongdoing.