A comprehensive guide to what it’s like to visit Turkey during Ramadan: the good, the bad and why you’ll have a really unique experience during this festival. Whether you’re planning a trip to Turkey during Ramadan or just want to know what it’s like in Turkey during Ramadan, this blog post will tell you everything you need to know! We’ve included a brief overview of Ramadan and how locals celebrate, what to expect during Ramadan in Turkey, and more. Ramadan in Türkiye is a blend of the old and the new, where deeply rooted traditions continue to thrive in modern times. Muslim people pray before iftar dinner, and eat traditional food during Ramadan feasting month at home. (Adobe Stock Photo) Preparations before Ramadan in Türkiye: Deep cleaning, stocking up on essential foods Visiting Turkey during Ramadan can be a wonderful experience especially during Eid al-Fitr, known as Ramazan Bayramı in Turkish. This religious holiday is marked by special prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts among family and friends. Ramadan is one of the biggest festivals in Istanbul, and this can make traveling to Istanbul during Ramadan a little different from normal times – many of the attractions, restaurants, and hotels will have different prices and opening hours, for example. Experience the essence of Ramadan in Turkey in 2024, from the first day to the last, following the Ramadan calendar. Immerse yourself in the holiday’s spirit, visiting mosques, partaking in iftar meals, and witnessing the joyous celebration that defines this special time in Turkey. Turkey is a secular state, and also a predominantly Muslim country, so what will it be like to visit the country during Ramadan? First of all, when you’re here, you will see the word Ramazan rather than Ramadan. You will also see the outside of some mosques decorated with lights. Minarets will be lit up. Many social rituals center on gathering and socializing after the daily fast. Some Muslims decorate their homes, put out Ramadan-themed tableware and centerpieces or throng to markets and Ramadan bazaars. In Egypt, the Arab world’s most populous country, Ramadan is typically a festive time. Emrah Gurel. FILE - Worshippers perform a night prayer called 'Tarawih' during the eve of the first day of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Turkey at the Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul Turkey is a predominantly Muslim nation, so visitors during the holy month of Ramadan may encounter some cultural shifts. The good news is that all visitors to Türkiye are welcomed with open arms, whether or not it is Ramadan. All you have to do is make an effort to learn as much as you can about the culture and current events, and act accordingly. Spending the holy month of Ramadan in Turkey would undeniably be a memorable experience. You can learn about the local culture, appreciate the Islamic traditions and festivities, and taste authentic Turkish cuisine during Ramadan in Turkey. What Happens in Turkey During Ramadan? The spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan is like no other. Ramadan Drummers. One of the oldest and most joyful traditions for this time is Ramadan drummers (Ramazan davulcusu), a tradition that belongs to Turkish-Islamic culture.In ancient times, during this month, the Ramadan drummer would go from street to street with a few people and take turns singing Ramadan songs and drumming. What is the significance of Ramadan in Turkey? Ramadan holds great cultural and religious significance in Turkey. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, increased acts of worship, and communal solidarity. Many Turkish Muslims have a strict observance of Ramadan by fasting and participating in special prayers and activities. Turkey has different conditions during Ramadan as an Islamic country, but like other months, tourists can visit entertainment places in Istanbul and Turkey restaurants. Ramadan in 2024 in Turkey will start on April 9 and last for 30 days. What is Ramadan in Turkey? Turkey hosts a variety of events that help create an atmosphere of unity and spirituality. The breaking of the fast, known as ‘iftar,’ becomes an occasion for gathering family and friends, fostering kindness and understanding. Ramadan in Turkey begins with the loud sound of the ‘Azan’ as the muezzin calls the faithful to the morning prayer. Lentils play a pivotal role in Turkish Ramadan cuisine, featured in dishes like Mercimek Koftesi (lentil patties) and Lentil Soup. Dolma and Sarma . These include stuffed grape leaves (dolma) and vegetables like peppers and eggplants (sarma) filled with rice, spices, and occasionally ground meat. And while it is a lunar calendar, and consistently falls about 11 days short of the solar year, the dates of Ramadan changes like coming back about 11 days earlier each year. Ramadan 2025 Dates. Tuesday, 29 March 2025. Ramadan Feast’s Eve (Religious Holiday – half day) Saturday, 29 March 2025. Ramadan Feast (Religious Holiday – goes for 3 There is a large Muslim population in Turkey, and during Ramadan, fasts are observed at an individual level and Ramadan is a community event at the same time. As a tourist, this gives you the allowance to observe various ways of breaking the fast, with one occurring in the evening and one as a pre-dawn meal, known as sahur. Of course, I went and had an amazing time during Ramadan in Istanbul and I’d like to share my experiences as a non-Muslim traveler to Istanbul during Ramadan. Want to be prepared? Check when is Ramadan (in Istanbul and the rest of the world) for the next years. When Ramadan Ends in Turkey The last day of Ramadan 2025 is March 29th, ending at sunset. Ramadan Feast Days in 2025 in Turkey. First Day: May 1st, Thursday; Duration: The Ramadan Feast (Eid al-Fitr) lasts for three days, from March 30th to April 1st.
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