Since Ramadan is getting closer every day (this year Ramadan runs from September 2 to October 1), you may think whether it is worth traveling to a Muslim country or not. Many people ask, “Is it safe?”, “How will Ramadan affect my plans to travel to Turkey?” And “Will I be expected to live all day?” Read on, you may be surprised!
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a month-long Islamic holiday in which Muslims all over the world refrain from letting their lips slip from rising to sunset. This means no eating, drinking or even smoking during daylight. Then, half an hour before sunset, the restaurants are filled, blankets are scattered in the parks and loaded with food. Hearing the call to prayer or cannon fire, Muslims quickly break open food called Iftar.
Ramadan in Turkey
Fortunately, compared to Arab countries, Turkey is much less rigid in its rules during Ramadan (and by the end of the year in this regard!) Unlike some Arab countries, you will not be punished or imprisoned (sip!). For drinking water in a public place.
Tourists in Istanbul and along the west coast of Kusadasi, Marmaris and Bodrum may not even notice Ramadan, you will see many people (tourists and local residents) who eat and drink during the day. Muslims who choose not to fast will not be consumed in public, but almost all will give up alcohol during the whole month.
Visitors traveling to more conservative areas of central Anatolia, such as Cappadocia and Konya, will notice the restaurant’s hours, people starving, and great family meals at sunset. Alcohol may not be available during the month (especially in Konya).
Eating, Drinking, Smoking, and You
As tourists, you do not expect to fast. In some of the more conservative areas, hotel kitchens will offer meals throughout the day, but you may have to enjoy your meal indoors, away from the general public.
Smoking near a fast person would be very disapproving.
If you have been fasting all day or not, you will almost certainly be invited to Iftar, a sunset dinner that quickly breaks the days. Turks love to share this food with piles of food, some of which are cooked only during Ramadan. Joining a family for Iftar is a great experience, just make sure you don’t dig up to the right time!
Visit the mosque
This is indeed a busy time in and around mosques. The whole country casts its eyes on the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet and on the celebrations held there (the TV channel is broadcast live from the hippodrome during the whole month). The Eyup Sultan Mosque in Istanbul has been active for a month. Avoid Fridays and evenings in all mosques - better in the morning and afternoon.
Beat another drummer
In the morning hours you can hear the beating of the drums up and down the street. This should wake the believers for the last meal before the sun rises. Some people hate drums and feel that the alarm is enough. Others love drums and raise them as a symbol of the tradition of Ramadan. The city of Edirn selects its drummers based on drum skills, and the drummer wears a uniform to keep the tradition.
On road
Muslims are not expected to travel fast, so when the bus stops, food and drinks will be available, and you will not have to feel shy about eating or drinking in public. As some people avoid traveling during Ramadan, you can see that hotels and beaches are becoming less crowded.
Last week, but it becomes traveling madness when people return home for the great Eid holiday. At this time, it is best to avoid the roads, during these three days many accidents occur due to the increase in traffic.
Special celebrations = food!
There is a lot of color and activity at night during Ramadan, especially around the Blue Mosque in the Sultanahmet area in Istanbul. Traditional sweets and specialties will appear in cafes and restaurants. Make sure you try Gulach, a delicate dessert made with pink and walnuts, and special Ramazan bread wheels made with black sesame seeds.
But is it safe to visit Turkey during Ramadan?
Visiting Turkey during Ramadan is like visiting a Christian country for Christmas. Visitors are usually surprised and sometimes overwhelmed, but the generosity and hospitality of the Turks. As a rule, visitors traveling in Turkey during Ramadan do not regret their decision; they see a piece of Muslim life that they would otherwise have missed.
