Topkapi Palace – “Smiling Iftar”

Narrator:
“It was said that a secret table was set up on Ramadan nights in Topkapi Palace. Only those who had no pride in their hearts could approach this table.”

Narrator:
“One night, a kitchen apprentice named Hasan, who worked in the palace kitchen, heard this tale and became curious. 'I want to see that table too,' he said.”

Narrator:
“As Hasan wandered around the palace courtyard, he saw a poor man shivering and took off his own cloak and gave it to him. Then he broke his only remaining piece of bread for a bird.”

Narrator:
“Just then, a dark corner of the garden lit up. Inside was a huge table… but the food was just a plate of dates, some soup, and bread.”

Hasan (astonished):
“Is this the secret table?”

Wise Voice (deeply):
“Yes, my child. Because the table is enriched not by food… but by intentions.”

Narrator:
“From that day on, Hasan understood that goodness grows not from the palace but from the heart.”