As Ramadan begins, Kibris, the Turkish Cypriot daily, has investigated the cost of preparing iftar for a family of four.
In a leading report, it says expenses have increased significantly due to rising costs and high inflation.
A meal including baked chicken, rice, salad, soup, and dessert now costs approximately 61.93 EUR (2,382 TL).
Here’s the price breakdown:
- Main course (oven-baked chicken and potatoes): 26.86 EUR (1,033 TL)
- Side dishes (rice, soup, salad, drinks): 14.69 EUR (565 TL)
- Dessert (güllaç): 19.06 EUR (733 TL)
- Dates (to break the fast): 1.30-2.08 EUR (50-80 TL)
Ramadan holds great significance for Muslims around the world. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
However, the paper reports that the financial strain caused by high inflation is making it difficult for many families to afford the traditional iftar meal, which marks the end of the daily fast.
For instance, a whole chicken, the main ingredient for the oven-baked chicken and potato dish, costs 182 TL per kilo.
Onions, tomatoes, and Charlie peppers, essential side ingredients, are priced at 25 TL, 65 TL, and 115 TL per kilo, respectively.
These rising costs are a reflection of the broader economic challenges faced by many in Cyprus and beyond.
Families are now grappling with how to balance their budgets while maintaining the spirit and traditions of Ramadan, the paper notes.