A theology professor at Bursa's Uludağ University says the practice of fasting predates Islam and appears across a wide range of world religions, from Judaism and Christianity to Hinduism and Brahmanism.
Ahmet Güç, of the university's History of Religions department, told the Anadolu Agency that fasting generally involves refraining from food, drink, and sexual activity for a set period as an act of devotion.
In Judaism, the Yom Kippur fast lasts 25 hours, running from before sunset one evening until after nightfall the next. In Christianity, the tradition traces in part to Jesus Christ's 40-day fast, though the faith has historically left fasting practices largely to the discretion of individual churches rather than imposing strict rules.
In Hinduism and Brahmanism, fasting is observed on certain designated days and during religious festivals, with adherents dedicating those occasions to prayer and worship.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in October 2006, in its own words.