Türkiye is a Muslim country, meaning that during the holy month of Ramadan, you might notice a few differences if you happen to be traveling around the country. The good news is that no matter whether it's Ramadan or not, all visitors to Türkiye are welcomed with open arms.
2. Re: visit Turkey during Ramadan? You'll find that in tourist areas it doesn't make much difference - as a non-Muslim you are not expected to fast - and all the restaurants and bars are open for business as usual. Tourist attractions will be open as usual.
It is safe to visit Istanbul during Ramadan. However, it might be a little crowded in the city. Since Turkish people visit their families during this month and travel from city to city. So book in advance.
Many Turks fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramazan. Restaurants are less busy at lunch, and there's even less Turkish tea in evidence—which is amazing. If you're in Turkey during Ramazan, it's polite to refrain from eating and drinking in public during daylight hours.
In the larger cities there are always restaurants open all day for your needs and for the needs of Turks who do not observe the fast. In small towns, it's best to be prepared with your own picnic lunch and drinks in case the few local eateries are closed for lack of customers.
Hagia Sophia closed days include Mondays, along with the first day of the Islamic month of Ramadan and on Eid-al-Adha festival.
The vast majority of tourist attractions will be open during Ramadan. You may even find that the attractions are slightly quieter than usual, so if you want to avoid the crowds, this is an ideal time to visit.
On the first day of the Ramadan holiday, some restaurants and cafes can be closed. Just because people visit their relatives and friends to feast together. In general, during the 30 days of Ramadan, restaurants and cafes are quieter at midday.
Istanbul-style Ramadan is more liberal than elsewhere. During the day there's anticipation in the air and after sunset you'll find a festival atmosphere. Trees are draped with fairy lights and mosques display sparkling celebratory messages between their minarets.
Don't hesitate to fly during Iftar hour! During Ramadan, with our Iftar menu service you can easily plan ahead your flight time.
Majority of the night clubs are being closed during Ramadan in Istanbul. Several ones stay open, mostly in the tourist zones, but they don't offer very much entertainment as to respect the Holy month. Majority of the places that offer alcoholic beverages may refrain from doing so in Ramadan.
It is religiously permissible for one who travels about 85 km (53 mi) or more to break his fast in Ramadan provided that one compensates by fasting other days after Ramadan. Yet, Muslim jurists disagree regarding the time when the Islamic regulations for traveling are applicable.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Ramadan in Turkey? During Ramadan, even Muslim drinkers stop consuming drinking Beer, wine, Raki or any kind of alcoholic spirit during the Month. But this only concerns muslims. As a tourist/foreigner you can buy and drink alcohol in your hotel room or in a restaurant that serves alcohol.
Because Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Hut meat, and KFC are %100 Halal in Turkey.
Getting Your PDA On
Turkey is a largely Muslim population and showing your affection in public can sometimes be frowned upon, especially in the more traditional neighborhoods. Make sure to keep your amorous moments private so that you don't have to deal with unhappy stares.
No shorts or sleeveless shirts on either men or women. At the most popular mosques in Istanbul (such as the Blue Mosque), attendants may provide robes to wear during your visit if your normal sightseeing clothing is too informal.
As one of the five pillars, or duties, of Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims. Children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, those who are physically or mentally incapable of fasting, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and travelers are exempt.
Eating, drinking, and sexual activities are not allowed between dawn (fajr), and sunset (maghrib). Fasting is considered an act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God.
Dr. Ali Ahmed Mashael: In Ramadan, it could stir desire and therefore, hugging and kissing is forbidden. Physical affection between a married couple during Ramadan corrupts the worship. A couple must refrain from doing this until after iftar.
Entrance: Blue Mosque is open to visitors every day. Note that the Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, so it can only be visited outside of prayer times. You may not be allowed entry 30 minutes prior to prayer times and not until the afternoon on Friday's prayer. You can check the prayer times here.
If you are planning to visit Cappadocia during Ramadan, no worries! As in every season, also during Ramadan, museums are open every day all year round, and there are tours and balloon flights every day too. If you are wondering if Cappadocia is open during Ramadan, you are in the right place.
Ramadan. Ramadan, called Ramazan in Turkey, is a month-long period of fasting that Muslims around the world observe each year, usually in May and June. (The actual dates vary according to the Islamic lunar calendar.)
Turkey is a secular country, and even though the majority of the Turkish population is Muslim, the consumption of alcohol both in public and in private is very common.
Q: When is it permissible for me not to fast while travelling? A: If the distance of travel is more than 80 kilometres, and the travel itself is for something permitted, then provided you left home before dawn while intending not to fast that day, it would be permitted for you not to fast.