Media Sells Religion During Ramadan!

With the start of Ramadan, mainstream media began distributing tables showing fast breaking times, Korans, and fast breaking dinner menus.

Istanbul - BIA News Center
12 August 2010, Thursday

Following are some examples of the "Ramadan promotions" and special Ramadan content of mainstream media newspapers.

Star newspaper: A speacial page is prepared for Ramadan, which consists of religious articles. A table showing fast breaking hours are distributed to readers. There is a section in the Ramadan page, which includes an advice each day. Today's advice says, "It is good for men to be ashamed. It is even better for women to be ashamed."

Aksam newspaper: In addition to a special Ramadan page, the newspaper distributes a different prayer each day. There are special articles and fast breaking dinner recipes every day in addition to short news reports on the health benefits of fasting.

Vatan newspaper: Besides a Ramadan page every day, it distributes a Ramadan healthy diet guide. There is detailed information on who should not fast and which foods should be preferred.

Zaman newspaper: The newspaper prepares two special Ramadan pages. It organises a religious contest throughout Ramadan and gives Fethullah Gulen's books to the winner. There is a small section on Ramadan memories. Today's title is, "My Allah how quickly you accept prayers."

Sabah newspaper: Koran and its Turkish meaning and a VCD of "Koran by Kaaba imams" is distributed. There is also a special Ramadan page.

Milliyet newspaper: The newspaper gives a Koran and its Turkish meaning  in return of 39 coupons and a specially decorated Koran lectern as a gift. For 4 additional coupons, the gift is delivered to the readers. In the supplement of the newspaper, there are fast breaking dinner recipes. The recipe of today's fillet stake includes "half a glass of white wine."

Hurriyet newspaper: Gives a Koran that smells of roses and has a 3-dimension Kaabe visual on its cover "which is a first in the world," for 21 coupons. The newspaper also has a Ramadan page with verses.

Haberturk newspaper: Historian Murat Bardakci gives historic information about Prophet Mohammed in the newspaper's Ramadan page.

Yeni Safak: Has an interview with the Head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs, Ali Bardakoglu on its front page. The headline is "Fasting heals spiritual wounds." It also has a table showing fast breaking hours on its first page in a box which is an advertisement for the Kuveyt Turk bank.

Takvim: "Ali Rıza Demircan Hodca" answers questions every day. Today's question is: "Who goes to Heaven?"

Birgun, Cumhuriyet, Evrensel and Radikal newspapers do not have a Ramadan page. (BT)

 

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