Ramadan in Türkiye
Ramadan is celebrated as a month of faith and cultural effervescence. A festive atmosphere can be felt throughout the month all around the country. It has religious significance and symbolizes the unity of humanity, uniting and reconciling humans, ethnic groups of various origins, and all those who practice Islam as a religion.
İstanbul
İstanbul is a city that never sleeps, but it is even more evident during Ramadan. During this special month, the city exudes a spiritual aura. Mosques are illuminated with inspirational quotes and bright lights.
During the daytime, the city may be less busy; during the night, however, many establishments extend their working hours, including shops and restaurants. People usually do not consume anything, including cigarettes, on the street. Most restaurants are open and less busy at lunch than usual.
Before breaking the fast (Iftar), people rush to restaurants and their homes to break their fast with families and friends. Hence during Iftar, restaurants may be at their full capacity. You may need to book for dinner beforehand to ensure you get seating in some of the most popular restaurants and eateries.
In İstanbul, you can visit countless mosques; some of the most important ones include Sultanahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) and the Hagia Sophia. Built by the legendary Sinan the Architect, Süleymaniye Mosque is also a must-see location to soak the Ramadan spirit in town. Several other significant mosques, such as Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Mihrimah Mosque, Pertevniyal Valide Sultan, and Fatih Mosque, should be on your discovery bucket list.
Special events may take place in several districts. One of the most traditional events is Feshane Ramadan Feast (Feshane Ramazan Şenlikleri). There are events, music concerts, theatre plays, talk shows on art, literature and religion, and art workshops for kids.
Konya
Konya is another prominent city for travellers interested in spiritual experiences on and beyond Ramadan. Known as the city where Mevlâna Celâleddin-i Rûmi, the great thinker, scholar and poet, died and was buried, Konya has much more to offer. After visiting the tomb of Rumi to pay your respects, you can head for the several historical madrasas scattered around the city, including the most important one called Karatay Madrasa, built in 1251.
The Seljuk and Ottoman wooden mosques of Anatolia are rare examples of religious architecture with impressive use of wood and handcrafted decoration. Wooden roofed and columned mosques in Konya hail from the Anatolian Seljuks and Beyliks periods, taking you on time travel. One of the most notable wooden mosques is Eşrefoğlu Mosque in Beyşehir, Konya. It is the largest wooden-columned mosque in Anatolia.
Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden is also a must-visit spot for those who love nature and animals.
As for food, you can try the delicious Etli Ekmek, a long, boat-shaped bread topped with minced meat and some veggies. You can pair it with a glass of Ayran to break your fast on a refreshing note.
Bursa
Located only 3 hours away by car from İstanbul, Bursa is another popular destination for those looking to experience Ramadan in Türkiye. The Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2022, Bursa is increasingly getting popular among those looking for a short and sweet weekend getaway.
Koza Inn, one of the city’s most important trade hubs, is home to several shops to sell silk and silk products. The two-storey building also features a total of 95 rooms that were extensively used by tradesmen for a sleepover.
The Muradiye Complex is the last one built by the Ottoman Sultans in Bursa. The Kulliye, built by Murad II in 1426, contains a mosque, a madrasa, a hammam, and tombs. In the vast garden are tombs belonging to Murad II and his family members.
Bursa’s Ulu Mosque is the first of the multi-domed monumental structures among Ottoman mosques, with its 20 domes on twelve large square pillars. There are 192 works in the form of 87 plates written on the wall by 41 different calligraphers in the mosque with 13 different characters. In addition, there are antique clocks, candlesticks and the Qur'ans. Built in 1419, another important mosque to visit is the Green Mosque. The crown door at the entrance is a beautiful product of Turkish stone carving. The mihrab, which includes flowers with various geometric motifs, is perhaps one of the most intricate details in the mosque.
Green Madrasa, one of the first Ottoman madrasas, hosts tile and ceramic works from the Seljuk, Beylik and Ottoman periods dating from the 13th to the 20th centuries; wood, carved and inlaid works, examples of Turkish metal art, Seljuk and Ottoman coins, traditional Turkish handicrafts and clothes.
Gölyazı Village is a unique beauty where nature and history come together on the shores of Lake Uluabat. Known as Apolyont in ancient times, this lovely village is where examples of traditional residential architecture can be seen. Cumalıkızık Village, on the other hand, is a fine example of Ottoman architecture. Included in UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014 and awarded the Best Tourism Village by UNWTO in 2022, the village is notable for its historical houses and friendly residents living in the traditional setting. It is a "living Ottoman village" with an unspoilt ambience.
While in Bursa, make sure to taste İskender Kebap and candied chestnuts. You can purchase handmade towels and other textile products as souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones.
Ramadan Culinary Specials
During the month of Ramadan, Turkish tables are overjoyed with variety and hospitality! Ramadan brings the spirit of communal celebration. People usually visit their loved ones and neighbours to eat together after a long day. Each and every dish is prepared meticulously, awaiting the breaking of the fast (Iftar).
On Ramadan, you can get the chance to taste some seasonal dishes. These include starters to main courses, desserts, and beverages.
Ramazan Pidesi is perhaps one of the most significant baked products symbolizing Ramadan. Before Iftar, you can spot long queues in front of bakeries with people waiting to buy a freshly baked, warm Pide.
Locally produced olives are the first food consumed when you hear the call to prayer, announcing the time to break the fast. They are an essential element of Turkish cuisine, especially during Ramadan. Cheese is another must-have item on Ramadan tables. Several types of local cheese are served along with warm Pide for a tasty start to dinner.
Starters and appetizers, locally called Meze, are for the table to share. These dishes are typically made with locally produced olive oil, making them a healthy and sustainable element of the table. Before moving on to the main course, you can sample several meze platters on Ramadan. All sorts of Turkish Kebabs and homemade meals are consumed during Ramadan to fill you up and give you the nutritional values you need to continue fasting the next day.
Sherbets and syrups flavoured with roses are very popular in Turkish cuisine. According to Ottoman medicine, the scent of rose had a calming and soothing effect, and its essence has digestive properties. Therefore, beverages made with rose syrup are great for health and are widely consumed during Ramadan.
Güllaç is another Ramadan special, made with thin layers of phyllo dough sheets with milk and rosewater. Topped with pomegranate grains, this dessert ends the dinner on a sweet note. Along with Güllaç, you can find many other types of popular Turkish sweets on Ramadan tables, such as Baklava, Künefe, and Kadayıf. Turkish desserts are best enjoyed when paired with a glass of Turkish Tea or a cup of Turkish Coffee.
During Ramadan, you can experience the full course of Turkish culinary delicacies and a friendly, welcoming environment where conversations and entertainment last until late hours at night. Hotels usually offer Iftar special menus and events with music concerts to ensure you enjoy Ramadan in İstanbul.
Muslims typically have another course of meal before sunrise to keep them fueled for the day. Hence, you can find several restaurants and venues open until late hours. Some of the best foods to consume before bed include Turkish soups, special pastry varieties called Börek, and a classic Turkish breakfast spread.
Halal Food in Türkiye
The tasty Turkish cuisine will surely be the highlight of your holiday during Ramadan in İstanbul. The majority of establishments serve halal food. This means that any meat you eat has been processed and prepared in accordance with halal requirements. Furthermore, in İstanbul, all international fast-food chains serve exclusively halal meat products.
A few establishments, catering primarily to tourists and usually in tourist resorts, serve meals such as “English breakfast”, which may contain non-halal meat products. However, there are absolutely no restaurants serving Turkish cuisine that serve non-halal meat. If you are not sure, you can always ask. Turkish people are very friendly, and they never mind answering any questions.
Although some restaurants do serve alcohol, it is possible to find establishments in any city or hotel which are alcohol-free. A feature of any town is the traditional tea garden or çay bahçesi, which is typically alcohol-free. It’s a great place to enjoy a glass of Turkish tea or a refreshing soda in a family-friendly atmosphere.
A Feast for the Spirit and Soul: Ramadan Feast
Ramadan Feast (bayram) is the Turkish version of Eid al-Fitr that concludes the month of Ramadan and fasting. Many people wake up early on the first day of the Ramadan Feast, put on their best clothes, which they often buy specifically for the occasion, and have a large breakfast with family members.
During this feast that goes on for several days, people enjoy visiting their loved ones, neighbours, and friends. It is customary to visit one's relatives, especially the elders. Children may go door-to-door, kissing the hands of grown-ups and receiving sweets, and/or small amounts of pocket money in return.
Desserts, Turkish coffee and Turkish tea are widely consumed during this period. Hotels may offer special Ramadan Feast menus as well as music shows to celebrate the end of the month.
Ramadan Etiquette
Fasting is a religion-based self-discipline for not eating, drinking or tasting anything during a particular time period starting from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan lasts about a month and dates change each year according to the Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar.
You are not supposed to attend or adopt any Ramadan rituals; however, since it is quite challenging to fast during the day, being tolerant and understanding of those fasting and avoiding consuming any food or drinks in front of them is kindly advised during Ramadan.
There are a few things to consider. One of them is the early morning loud drums to assure that Muslims planning to fast will get up before sunrise to have their last meal before the fast begins. Although the city will not lose any of its functions, the traffic may be at its heaviest just before sunset, which is when fasting ends, while during the time of iftar, (the breaking of the Ramadan fast), this dense traffic will almost vanish.
Furthermore, after iftar, the city, especially mosques and their environs, put their festival-like outlook on. Mosque minarets are adorned with coloured textual lights to celebrate the end of fasting. People stay up late and the city is lively as many shops and restaurants extend their working hours. You are welcome to celebrate and enjoy this special month in İstanbul!