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. All you need to do is remember to respect the culture and be as knowledgeable as possible about what is happening at that time.

What Happens During Ramadan In Türkiye

First things first, let’s cover the fundamental question: what is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the holy month for Muslims worldwide, not just in Türkiye. It is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, but the actual calendar date changes slightly every year by around ten days.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast (no food or water) from dawn until sunset and use this time for introspection and prayer. The call to prayer from the mosque indicates when it is time to fast and when it is time to break a fast.

Ramadan is a commemoration of the month when The Prophet Muhammad first received revelations of the Quran (Islam’s holy book) from God. During this month, Muslims fast, avoid impure thoughts, pray, and focus on doing good deeds and spending time with the family and the local community.

Once fasting is broken (at sunset), Muslims come together with friends and family and share a meal. Once Ramadan is over, Eid al-Fitr takes place – a three-day holiday when extended families come together to celebrate. This is one of the largest holidays in the Islamic faith.