In a tradition dating back to the Ottoman era, Turks flock in the first days of Ramadan, carrying bottles of vinegar and bags of bread in their hands, to the tomb of Oruc Baba; To be blessed by him, and in the hope of responding to their prayers to bring prosperity.
Oroch Baba (Father of Fasting), is rumored among the Turks to be a poor dervish, who lives on bread, vinegar and sugar and combines his breakfast and suhoor with a meal of these foods.
As a result of his asceticism and contentment, he gained his status as a “close” person to God. It is also said that he was a soldier during the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, bringing water to the soldiers at a time of water shortage. And that is why he became famous with the word “father”.
His grave is located in Istanbul in the Fatih district, and it follows the Topkapi neighborhood, and the neighborhood is named after him, and there many are happy to eat breakfast in his way, i.e. consisting of vinegar, bread, sugar, as well as olives, and they believe that the wishes of those who break the fast on the first days of Ramadan in the shrine come true, and after eating breakfast, they recite Al-Fatihah on his soul.
“We do like Oroch Baba”
“I came with my mother and nephews,” said Shedem Ates, who is visiting the shrine for the first time. “I brought vinegar and distributed it to those present. I prayed that such an earthquake would not be repeated in our country.”
While Sera Sawyer says: “We came prepared with our chairs, and before the Corona virus epidemic, there were tables and chairs here, but they were removed during the epidemic, and we could not come for 2-3 years, and before that we used to come every year, put vinegar on our bread and break our fast.” Here, Oruç Baba did the same and it became a tradition for the Turks.”
These stories remain rumors, and there is no historical or religious evidence confirming them, but it is “hope” that leads people to such shrines of the true historical unknown to their owners, so that they may be happy that their conditions will change one day to what they wish for.