Colombian Muslims Blend Andean Celebrate Ramadan in Their Way

(MENAFN) As the sun set over Bogotá on the opening night of Ramadan, Sheikh Ahmed Tayel departed from traditional fasting customs. Rather than breaking his fast with dates or typical dishes from the Muslim world, he and his wife enjoyed a steaming bowl of ajiaco santafereño– a rich Andean soup made with three varieties of local potatoes, shredded chicken, a cob of corn, and a slice of creamy avocado.

For the Syrian-born cleric, who has spent over 30 years fostering Islamic life in Colombia, this meal symbolizes a quiet cultural bridge: connecting his heritage from ancient Syrian cities with the highland flavors of his adopted home.

In Colombia, where town squares are dominated by churches and more than 70% of the population identifies as Christian, the Muslim community remains relatively small but increasingly visible. Estimates from local Islamic centers place the population between 35,000 and 40,000, though international research groups, including the Pew Research Center, suggest numbers could approach 100,000 if the wider Arab diaspora is included.

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