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A mosque and halal food, creators of an exotic mood in Busan

Unfamiliar but close tastes and styles of Islam

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What comes to mind when you think of Islam? Perhaps, you’ve come up with Aladdin, kabobs, Ramadan, and so on. As Islamic culture coexists with our daily lives, interest in halal food–Muslim food culture–is also on the rise. Let’s head for Namsan-dong to find the tastes and styles of Islamic culture in Busan.

The white building with tall pillars and a large dome between the apartments that you see is Busan Al-Faith Masjid, Busan’s first and unique mosque. In the 1970s, when the construction boom in the Middle East played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Korean economy, mosques began to be built in different parts of South Korea to promote friendly relations between the country and Islamic nations. Established in 1980, Busan Al-Fatih Masjid has not only served as a rest area for Muslims but also as a social gathering and a community center for information exchange.

As you enter the white building, you’ll find a large, carpeted chapel. When you look up, you’ll see the colorful and regular patterns on the ceiling, large windows, and unique structures built according to Islamic law, creating an exotic atmosphere unseen in other places. If you’re not a Muslim, you should acquire a permit from the office. As a sign of respect, you’re encouraged to observe silence as you look around the place.

After appreciating Islamic flavors in the mosque, let’s enjoy halal food. Halal food, the only food allowed by the Islamic clerics, is available at two restaurants located near the Busan Al-Faith Masjid.

An exotic restaurant that serves Turkish food stands out with its various Turkish items, such as frames, plates, dolls, and pottery, allowing visitors to feel as if they were traveling in Turkey.

Cappadocia serves kabobs, which comes first to mind when talking about Turkish cuisine, and other Halal-certified Turkish food as a full course. A delicious brown-colored bread called ekmek is served with soup. Try a soft, thin unleavened flatbread called lavash with a sweet and sour salad made of cucumbers, tomatoes, paprika, and onions. It will surely entice your appetite. Kebab, the main dish, wrapped with lavash also tastes perfect.

You can enjoy different kinds of kabobs made of lamb, chicken, or beef, and also choose a single piece of Turkish cheese pizza called cheese pide. Alternatively, you can try various Turkish dishes through set menus. Lastly, a cup of black tea will neatly finish the enjoyment of your Turkish meal.