ISTANBUL, October 13 (IslamOnline.net) - Ramadan breeze came up and filled the four corners of Turkey which will observe the holy fasting month as of Friday, October 15, according to astronomical calculations.

Turkish officials left their cozy offices and went to the streets to have a first-hand look at traffic and markets.

Agriculture Minister Sami Guclu toured local markets, starkly warning that the government would take stringent measures against merchants and retailers exploiting Ramadan to raise prices.

Lay people, on the one hand, have been complaining about prices hike as Ramadan draws nearer, while shopkeepers are grumbling about sluggish economy.

Imported dates from Tunisia and Saudi Arabia are priced at between nine to 22 million liras ($6-14).

High-priced meat has become a luxury for low-income people, who are expected to opt for fish instead.

Streets have been also decorated with festoons and placards welcoming the holy month.

Hanging lights and beaming ribbons were also fixed at mosques’ minarets in Istanbul, taking the breath away.

Charity is also a key characteristic of the holy month in Turkey with people competing to reach out to the less-fortunate and the poor.

Bulent Yelderim, the head of the state-run humanitarian waqfs (endowments), said Wednesday, October 13, that alms would be given to the needy, especially those who were made homeless by a string of earthquakes that recently hit the country.

Palestine, Iraq, Chechnya and Afghanistan are also on the Turkish charity agenda.

Ahmet Betali, the director of the relief Waqfs of Turkey and the Middle East, said he will embark on a multi-leg Gulf tour during Ramadan to raise funds for poor Turkomans in Iraq.

Opposition parties were also quick to provide for the needy.

Saadet Party launched a four-day charity exhibition on Monday, October 11, to sell clothes and handmade artifacts.

Schools have also organized classes to educate children about the virtues of the dawn-to-dusk fast.

Collective Iftar banquets at schools will be also held for parents and teachers to bring them closer.

Ali Bardakoglu, the head of the government religious affairs committee, encouraged children to attend congregational and Tarawih prayers with their fathers.