By Matilda Trudgett
As the sun sets over Lakemba in Sydney’s western suburbs, thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims alike flock to the dozens of food and beverage stalls lining Haldon Street to break their daily fast, or just to try some new and exciting dishes hailing from across South Asia, Northern Africa and the Middle East.
What began as a streetside barbecue for fellow Muslims breaking their fast at Iftar 15 years ago has become an annual celebration of culture and cuisine, attracting over a million visitors last year alone.
Canterbury-Bankstown Council’s Lakemba Nights During Ramadan is its largest event, occurring yearly during Ramadan; a holy month of fasting and prayer falling on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is regarded as the most sacred month in Islam. Muslims abstain from food and water from dawn to dusk during this period.
Camel burgers and the cheesy knafeh dessert are some of the most sought-after dishes at the market and this year’s event saw the viral Dubai chocolate trend take over. Although certain favourites dominate the strip, visitors are spoilt for choice with cuisines from all over the world and over 60 stalls to choose from.
Locals and Muslims from the area agree that the event has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the community and the sharing and understanding of culture.
“This shows the true side of the hospitality and what Ramadan is all about, it’s about bringing people together, bringing families closer together and enjoying each other’s company,” said Wiley Park local Aladdin Samak.
But as the now-bustling bazaar, which began as a close-knit community gathering, attracts bigger crowds every Ramadan, some members of the Islamic community worry that the roots and integral meaning of the event have been lost through the commercialisation and monetisation of a sacred religious practice.
This is reflected in the council’s decision to change the name from Ramadan Nights to Lakemba Nights during Ramdan last year to better reflect the values of the community
Despite this, the impact of the event on the community is overwhelmingly positive and is seen by many as an opportunity to combat rising Islamophobia in Australia through sharing something we all love and have in common; a nice meal.
Featured image: Traditional Arabic coffee being served at Lakemba Nights During Ramadan. Photos: Matilda Trudgett
