How to Prepare for a Trip to Turkey During Ramadan
Turkey is an interesting destination all year round. Visiting Turkey during Ramadan is especially interesting. The holy month of Ramadan is celebrated by millions of people in the country. It affects the day routine, opening and closing time, and the mood of the population. Whether you are travelling for leisure or business, there are several important Ramadan travel tips. They can help make the journey easier and more comfortable.
Ramadan in Turkey
Some Basic Information
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is characterized by fasting during the daylight hours. Even though Turkey is a secular country, most of the population fasts during Ramadan which affects the daily life of the people. Big cities are still quite alive, but small towns may have businesses that work according to the iftar time.
What to Expect When Visiting Turkey in Ramadan
1. Restaurant and Café Hours May Vary
In the tourist areas, most restaurants and cafes are open during the day, but small local cafes may close until iftar. Some places may serve limited menus. It is better to call ahead and check.
2. Do’s and Don’ts During the Fasting Period
It is not forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public during the daylight. It is not very polite to do that, especially in front of fasting people. Thus, most Turks won’t mind this, especially in big cities. It is always better to be polite and respect the local tradition.
3. Do Not Miss Iftar and Suhoor
One of the most highlighted moments of the day is iftar at sunset. People gather and consume traditional Turkish foods. Some restaurants also provide an iftar menu that includes lentil soup, pide bread, and Güllaç for dessert. Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal. It is another important part of Ramadan and can be taken at hotels or restaurants.
4. Business and Attraction Hours May Differ
This is because government offices, banks and local shops are likely to close early in the day during the holy month of Ramadan. However, such major attractions as Historical mosques, Ephesus, and Cappadocia tours will take place as usual.
Private tours are more flexible and can be set to fit in with the Ramadan schedule.
The Best Places to Visit in Turkey During Ramadan
1. Istanbul – A Blend of Modern and Traditional
The city is beautiful with lights on mosques and exciting iftar sessions. Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar are also normally open. Private guided tours will help to avoid crowded places and follow the rules of Ramadan.
2. Cappadocia – Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
Since Ramadan does not affect hot air balloon rides, Cappadocia is a great place to visit. Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia Tour is a good choice for those who want to try this activity. Dinner and breakfast options may be limited in restaurants. Service at hotels is not affected.
3. Antalya – Coastal Relaxation
The beach resorts and luxury hotels in Antalya are open for visitors throughout the year. Ramadan has no effect on tourism. It is a perfect time to visit Patara Ancient City, Perge Ancient City, Myra Ancient City and other historical places in Antalya. Take a break and enjoy your holiday!
4. Konya – A Spiritual Journey
For those interested in Sufi culture, Konya is a great place to visit during Ramadan. Mevlana Museum and whirling dervishes are based in the city. It is a place of great cultural and spiritual significance. It is better to visit it with guided tour.
Some Practical Travel Tips for Turkey During Ramadan
1. Book Iftar: It is wise to check and book for iftar at famous restaurants as they are usually fully reserved.
2. Plan according to Prayer Times: People tend to build up traffic during sunset time as they are on their way home to iftar.
3. Dress Modestly: Although Turkey is quite liberal, it is recommended to cover up especially when visiting mosques.
4. Use Private Tours: Private tours are convenient. It provide freedom to visit attractions even when they are not in regular working hours.
Ramadan travel tips can help visitors gain a better insight into the culture and traditions of the country when visiting Turkey during Ramadan. If you want to get the most out of your experience, then private guided tours and transfers will help to make your journey stress free. So, are you ready to discover Turkey during Ramadan? Just contact us to your travel plans. We will be happy to arrange your trip and make you to enjoy Turkey.