Iraqi army personnel stand beside an artillery piece during a test firing event aimed at reviving the traditional Ramadan cannon in Baghdad.
Iraqi army test-fires Ramadan cannon in revival of tradition
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Army’s Artillery Corps carried out a test artillery firing Thursday morning aimed at reviving the traditional Ramadan cannon, a practice long associated with Iraqi cities.
The Ministry of Defense said the event was held in the presence of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, the Commander of Ground Forces and other senior officers.
The Artillery Corps “carried out a test sound artillery strike during the morning hours, in an activity aimed at reviving one of the popular traditions rooted in the collective memory,” the ministry said.
“This initiative comes as confirmation of the military institution’s commitment to positive engagement with society and to preserving traditions linked to the history of Iraqi cities,” the statement added.
The event included meetings with citizens who expressed happiness at the revival of the tradition. The ministry released a video of the firing.
The Ramadan cannon is traditionally fired at sunset to mark the end of the daily fast and the time for iftar.