I am here with answers to all your asked questions about Istanbul in Ramadan 2024 – food, safety, what to expect & more! All my advice about visiting Turkey during Ramadan is based on my 12 years of being in Istanbul at Ramadan every year!
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Istanbul at any time during the year, you’re in for a treat. This is a city that has more history within it than many countries do!
It’s also a huge assault on the senses in the best way possible. Istanbul is a city for all seasons, but many people have questions about what to expect if they’re visiting during Ramadan.
What Is Ramadan
Now firstly, the holy month of Ramadan doesn’t fall at the exact same time every year, so you will need to check ahead of time when it is for that particular year. It is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar, but this is a lunar calendar, which means it shifts every year, being 11-12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
Ramadan is 30 days of fasting, self-reflection, good deeds, and prayer. During the hours of sunrise to sunset, Muslims observing Ramadan do not eat or drink and avoid any bodily pleasures. No alcohol is consumed during this month. During Ramadan, observers are likely to read the Quran, pray more often, go to lectures, and help out with charitable events. The month helps Muslims feel closer to God and is a precious time.
Just before sunrise, Muslims will share suhoor, which is a meal before fasting begins. This is typically enjoyed with family members. Then, once the sun sets, iftar takes place. This is the breaking of the fast and a meal that people also enjoy together. You will typically see traditional restaurants quite full around this time.
Once the month is over, Eid al-Fitr takes place, which is a huge three-day celebration that brings families and friends together, and it is also known as the Festival of Sweets; you’ll find people give you sweets, and it’s customary to take them!
Will The Time Of Ramadan In Istanbul Ruin Your Trip
The timing of Ramadan in Istanbul will not ruin your trip. There may be some adjustments and considerations to keep in mind; many tourists still enjoy visiting Istanbul during Ramadan and find it to be a unique experience, so I am sure you will also.
How Does Ramadan Affect Tourists
As Ramadan is a significant religious observance for Muslims, there may be a small impact on your trip. Here are some ways in which Ramadan might affect you while in Turkey:
| Aspect | Effect on Tourists |
|---|---|
| Business Hours | Some restaurants and cafes may be closed during the day and open only in the evening. |
| Tourist Attractions | Major tourist attractions and historical sites remain open but may have shorter operating hours. |
| Cultural Experience | You can witness special events, festivals, and iftar gatherings during Ramadan. |
| Limited Alcohol Availability | Alcohol consumption may be restricted in some regions during Ramadan. |
| Public Transport | Transport schedules may be altered, particularly in the evenings during iftar time. |
| Respect Local Customs | There are no specific Rramadan travel rules, but it might be a good idea to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public areas during fasting hours as a sign of respect. |
| Hotel Services | Hotels may continue to provide regular services, but you should check for any changes in meal timings or other services. |
What To Expect During Ramadan In Istanbul
As a visitor to Istanbul, you probably won’t notice anything very different. All restaurants, cafes, and bars are open, except for possibly the first day of Ramadan and during the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
Visiting The Attractions & Mosques In Istanbul During Ramadan
You might wonder whether you’re able to visit any of the usual sights and beautiful mosques in Istanbul during Ramadan, and the answer is yes. The only thing to bear in mind is that during prayer times when you hear the call to prayer, non-Muslims will be asked to leave the mosque until prayers are over. This is no different from times outside of Ramadan.
Are Restaurants In Istanbul Open During Ramadan?
During Ramadan in Istanbul, the operating hours and practices of restaurants may undergo slight changes to accommodate the fasting period and the observance of iftar (fast-breaking) and suhoor (pre-dawn meal) times. Here are some common practices that restaurants in Istanbul may follow during Ramadan:
- Limited daytime operations: many restaurants in Istanbul adjust their operating hours during the daytime to respect the fasting period. As Muslims are fasting from dawn to sunset, some – but certainly not all, eateries may choose to remain closed or have limited services during daylight hours
- Special iftar menus: restaurants that do operate during the day may offer special iftar menus specifically designed for the evening meal when Muslims break their fast. These menus often feature traditional dishes and beverages that are popular during Ramadan, providing a unique dining experience
- Reservations & pre-booking: as iftar time approaches, popular restaurants may see an influx of reservations, especially for group gatherings or special events. It’s advisable to make reservations in advance if you plan to dine out during iftar to secure a table at your desired restaurant
- Iftar buffets: Many hotels and upscale restaurants in Istanbul offer iftar buffets, which provide a wide array of food options to cater to different preferences. These buffets usually include traditional Turkish cuisine, Middle Eastern specialties, and a variety of desserts
- Vibrant evening atmosphere: after sunset, when Muslims break their fast, the streets and restaurants come to life with a lively atmosphere. Restaurants that were closed during the day open their doors, and people gather to enjoy iftar together. This creates a festive ambiance that you can experience while dining out in the evening
- Suhoor options: Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal before the fasting day begins, is typically consumed at home. However, some restaurants and cafes may offer suhoor menus or stay open late into the night to cater to those seeking a meal before the fasting hours begin
It’s important to note that not all restaurants in Istanbul follow these practices, and there are still plenty of dining options available during Ramadan in Istanbul.
When Should You Eat
If you’re not taking part in Ramadan, you can eat at any time you want, but, show some consideration by not eating in the street. Restaurants will be open, and you won’t upset anyone by eating during the day in this type of setting; businesses would suffer terribly if everyone did this.
But if you want to give it a try and really understand the people around you who are fasting, why not go for it? It will certainly help you understand a lot more.
Safety In Istanbul During Ramadan
Yes, it is safe to visit Istanbul during Ramadan. Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city that welcomes tourists throughout the year, including during the holy month of Ramadan. However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to exercise general safety precautions and be aware of certain considerations during your visit.
Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Security: Istanbul is a major tourist destination and has security measures in place to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. It’s always advisable to stay updated on the current security situation by consulting travel advisories and local authorities. Additionally, remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots, and take precautions to protect your belongings
- Respect local customs: during Ramadan, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, particularly when visiting mosques or religious sites, and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours out of consideration for those who are observing the fast
- Public transportation: public transport may be affected during Ramadan, particularly during iftar time when people rush to reach their homes or mosques
How To Act Appropriately During Ramadan
While nobody expects you to act a certain way during Ramadan, it is common sense and respect to understand what is going on and to show empathy. A few ways to do that include:
- Not eating or drinking on the street: while you can totally do this, it’s probably not going to help someone who cannot eat or drink until the sun goes down. Nobody will be offended, but it’s considerate to avoid this if you can. The same goes for smoking
- Dress in a modest way: again, there are no specific rules here, but avoid anything too out-there when walking around. Of course, if you’re planning on visiting a mosque, you’ll need to dress respectfully anyway and certainly carry a headscarf in your bag if you’re a woman, as you’ll need one
- Don’t be impatient: Ramadan can be a busy time in Istanbul, and you might see queues for taxis, in restaurants after sundown, and when visiting mosques. Simply be patient and be happy that you’re in Istanbul!
Prayer Times For Ramadan In Istanbul
Muslims pray five times per day and the prayer times during Ramadan vary depending on the location and the specific date within the month. The timing of the five daily prayers (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha) shifts throughout the year due to the changing position of the sun. During Ramadan, Muslims also observe additional prayers, such as Taraweeh, which are performed after Isha.
To determine the prayer times during Ramadan in Istanbul, it is best to refer to local Islamic centers, mosques, or Islamic organizations that provide accurate and up-to-date prayer timetables. These timetables are usually available online, through mobile apps, or displayed at mosques.
It’s important to note that prayer times may vary slightly between different sources due to differences in calculation methods or local customs. Therefore, it is advisable to rely on trusted and reliable sources for accurate prayer time information during Ramadan.
Wrap Up On Istanbul In Ramadan
So really, there will be no difference for you as a tourist, but it is good to learn more about Ramadan, so you’re aware of what people are doing and why. Also, do remember that going without food or water during the day is a hard thing to do, and if someone seems a little tired or not as cheerful as they could be, that is why. Simply bear it in mind and show some empathy.
To sum up, visiting Istanbul in Ramadan isn’t going to be a whole lot different for a non-Muslim. Everything will still be open, and you can still explore the city to your heart’s content. However, it’s respectful to know about the holy month and to understand what people are doing and why. By showing a little empathy, you’ll find that your visit is enriched even more.
And if you’re visiting during Eid al-Fitr, well, be ready for a celebration!