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Ramadan (Ramazan) is the holy month of Islam. In this period the holy book Kuran was sent to Muhammed. And in Kuran, those who are not sick or travelling are ordered to honor and fast during these 30 days. “Why do I need to know these details about Ramadan?” might be your question at this point. Because it affects and changes the daily life in Muslim countries like Turkey. If you plan to visit Istanbul during the Ramadan do read on.
Ramazan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar, which lasts 29 to 30 days. Because of the lunar calendar, the start of Ramazan moves backwards by about eleven days each year. People, and certainly non-Muslims, associate this holy month purely with fasting. But Ramadan is more than that. It is intended to bring Muslims closer to God and teach them about patience, spirituality, and humility. Hence the fasting, to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate and encourage actions of generosity and charity.
Ramazan (Ramadan) Dates
- 2022: Saturday, 2 April – Sunday, 1 May
- 2023: Wednesday, 23 March – Thursday, 20 April
Fasting
Fasting is the religious duty of all Moslims and it means not letting anything pass or even touch the lips. Starting from the twilight before sun rise (the first call to prayer) until the twilight after sunset, no food, drink, tobacco smoke, chewing gum or any other thing that involves the mouth is allowed. During this period of the day people should also refrain from sexual intercourse.
Some people are exempt from fasting: children until the age of puberty, pregnant women, women during the period of their menstruation, women nursing their newborns, travellers, the elderly and people that are chronically, mentally or physically ill.
Iftar
After sunset, with the forth call to prayer, the imam will give the go-ahead to break the fast (iftar). You can also notice green lights appear on the minarets. You’ll see people patiently waiting for the sign to start this ceremonial meal. This light meal, consisting of freshly-baked flat pide bread (see picture above), pickled vegetables, olives and other easily-prepared edibles is often enjoyed in group with family members and/or friends. More elaborate dinners are normally held later in the evening or night, but some people just go for it right from the start.
How Ramadan may affect your stay in Istanbul?
During the daylight hours, it’s polite to refrain from eating, drinking (and even smoking) on the streets or on public terraces. Instead, try to do it inside establishments such as restaurants and cafés. Restaurants are less busy at lunch, but the (fasting) staff understands you’re a non-Muslim and will be happy to serve you. Also, some establishments that normally serve alcoholic beverages may refrain from doing so during Ramadan. Swimming areas will be less crowded since fasting people are not allowed to swim.
After sunset, slow-paced Istanbul gets back into full swing with a carnival like atmosphere. Feastive colored lights are switched on, and mosques are illuminated. Restaurants will be packed with locals to break the fast. Most restaurants offer special Ramazan menus or banquets. Tourists and non-Muslims are welcome to join the festivities.
Mosques may become crowded again after the last prayer because of Teravih namazı, a non-obligatory yet very frequently performed prayer during the Ramadan. It can be performed alone at home or with the community.
The one annoyance you may face as a tourist are the drummers that go from street to street in the middle of the night, banging their big drums. They want to wake up sleepers so they can prepare Sahur, the big morning meal before the fast begins again at sunrise. Earplugs and/or closing windows are the only escape from this.
Ramazan is followed by the Sugar Feast (Şeker Bayramı).
Syed Uzair says
Last night of Ramadan, will Grand Bazaar be opened whole night?
Erlend says
Grand Bazaar is always closed on Sunday.
Tony says
Hi. I am planning to visit İstanbul during Ramadan holidays (May1-4). Are banks open those days?
Erlend says
No, they will be closed.
Paul says
Hi. I am visiting Istanbul on Apr 28.
Do you know if Hagia Sophia mosque will be open to public?
Thanks
Erlend says
Yes, it will be, except just before and during praying times. Keep in mind that these times are indications, for the exact time ask your hotel concierge or take notes the previous day every time you hear the callk for prayer.
Ryan says
I am visiting Istanbul on April 23, which falls under National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. Are shops and restaurants operate as normal usually?
Much appreciated 😀
Erlend says
Hi,
Yes, shops are open, but banks and schools are closed. Have read my post on national and public holidays?
Emma says
We’re traveling with children to experience Ramadan in Istanbul next week (April 2022). Any recommendations on where to stay – looking for hotels that will offer suhoor (food before sunrise). Or do we have to go to a restaurant? What towns in Istanbul has open restaurants before sunrise? Also, looking for best towns to have iftar. Thank you in advance.
Erlend says
Hi Emma,
It’s impossible for me to keep track of every hotel’s ramadan programs. I’m afraid you should write the hotels of your choice for more details.
Dalia says
Hi , hope you are doing well ,
I am coming Istanbul on 2nd of may which will be first day of feast , will the museums , touristic places , shops and malls will be open ?
Thank you
Erlend says
Hi,
Hi, shops will open after lunch on the first day normally, and are certainly open the second day. Here are the opening times of tourist attractions.
Rochelle says
Radisson Beyazit is a good hotel and is beautifully located. The restaurant serves amazing food too
Sujata says
I am planning to visit istambul during ramadan and will be there on eid . Will the shops, restaurants will remain open during daytime ? Will the historical monuments will remain open for tourists on the day of eid? Thanks
Erlend says
Please have a look at this response.
Ishaq Fazal says
Hi,
Excellent site! I am looking go visit between July 07th and July 12th. I believed Eid will be on the 9/10th of July. What is it like celebrating Eid there? Will shops/restaraunts be generally opened?
Thanks
Erlend says
Hi,
Yes, the feast of the sacrifice starts then. Some shops and venues may be closed in the morning, but starting the second day, it’s again business as usual. Restaurants are usually open all the time.
Gu says
Hi!
Can tourist visit the different mosque (haga sophia, blue mosque, etc) as tourist during ramadan or is it closed?
Erlend says
Hi, mosques are open but closed to visitors during prayer times. The same during Ramadan.
Andrew C says
i plan to be in Istanbul April 2022 (next yr) which falls withing Ramadan. Assuming Covid19 restrictions are lifted by then (who knows, right?) – but if things are back to normal, as a tourist, would it be difficult to find food, drink and things to do during that time? I am keen in sightseeing, adventure / nature exploring / outdoors.
Erlend says
Hi Andrew,
No, assuming Covid is behind us by then, all restaurants and cafe’s are open just like they are on non-ramadan days. The only problem you may have is to find a table (without reserving) at a restaurant at the time of fast-breaking (iftar). So, to avoid the crowds, you may want to go have diner an hour before or after that time.
Imane says
Are the restaurants open with iftar to Break the fast?
Erlend says
Hi Imane,
No, restaurants are currently take-away only. And if covid numbers don’t go down, they may even close restaurants and shops for the duration of ramadan.
Randle Mrs says
Are shops open as usual , I mean during Ramadan,is business go on normally?
Erlend says
Yes, but they may close a bit earlier or close temporarily for breaking the fast.