My first encounter with the Muslim culture was for the first time during my trip to Turkey. I must admit I did not know much (actually very close to nothing) about the traditions involving the Islamic religion and always wanted to know more about it.

When I arrived in Turkey had no idea it was the beginning of Ramadan and that they were celebrating it in the country, and it was only after my arrival that I realized I had arrived at a very special moment for most of Turkish. I did not know what it meant traveling during Ramadan in Turkey or in any other country celebrating it, and was a little scare on how could this affect my travel plans for the next weeks in the country.

One of my biggest concern while traveling in Turkey during Ramadan -or Ramazan as they call it in Turkey- was to try to understand the customs, and above all, to be aware of the traditions to no disrespect or inconvenience the inhabitants.

What is it Ramadan?

One of the most important time of the year for Muslims it is the time of Ramadan. A special time of celebration, prayer and fasting. Durin Ramadan, each year Muslims around the world observe fasting during daylight hours.

The month of Ramadan -or Ramazan as its called in Turkey- corresponds to the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, which has bases in Sumerian traditions. The Muslim calendar began in 622 and it is based on lunar cycles.

Each cycle considers 30 years and a distinction is made between the years that have 365 or 364 days, so the dates of Ramadan change every year, considering the first crescent moon after the new moon. The Muslim day begins with sundown, not sunrise as in other cultures.

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and 33 years in the Islamic calendar are equal to 32 in the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar based calendar.

The time of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, according to the Koran (Qur’an). It indicated that it was at this time when the Koran was revealed for the first time and is considered as a very special time for good deeds and is a blessed month of Allah .

Ramadan it’s the month of Quran and there is a special focus for the prayers according on what topics you can work about.

The first ten days are for mercy
The ten days after are for forgiveness
And the last ten days are the rescue of the fire of hell

It is in this month of the year in which they indicate that the ‘Gates of Heaven’ are open and ‘hell doors’ are closed with the demons within, so it would be easier to act correctly in this month as there are less temptations compared with other times of the year.

What should Muslims do during Ramadan?

Besides fasting during daylight hours throughout the month, also should see greater self-control in all aspects of daily life, including food, drink, time use and sexual activity, long prayers are made one to two and a half hours along the day in mosques or at home/work. This leads to a purification of body, mind and heart.

A friend told me “is like making New Year’s resolutions, people will be also more often to the mosque. It is a special and spiritual month. There is a special prayer each day after the last evening prayer which is called Taraweh and it is done only during Ramazan.

There are exceptions to do the fasting for those with special health conditions, or do very strenuous physical labor and children, they are all allowed to avoid fasting for long hours.

How is it to travel during Ramadan in Turkey?

Turkey is probably one of the countries with Muslim presence where you will less notice this religious time. Although more than 95% of Turkish are declared Muslims, the state of Turkey is a secular state with Islamic influences since 1924, so the religious restrictions are not mandatory for those living or visiting the country.

Culturally, Turkey is a country that is heavily influenced by the West and especially in Istanbul, you will not notice a big difference from other seasons, especially in you are moving around most touristic areas.

As many people follow the traditions of Islam within the country, you can see your shopping or eating plans affected, as some shops are closed half the time and the restaurants do not serve all the dishes they usually have to offer on their menu for this time, as there are very few people eating in them during the day (mostly tourists).

Near the touristic areas, you will always find a restaurant serving food during the day, but the recommendation is to avoid eating or drinking in front of those who are doing the fasting (a little solidarity suits anyone! )

You will be able to enjoy all the amazing Turkish delicacies, that until today is one of my favorite food in the world! These are my favorite Turkish food to eat Turkish food and the daily pleasure of eating

Many restaurants understand that you do not have the same habits, and even while they are fasting will be happy to serve you food in daylight time. Even some restaurants offer a special menu for dinner and Ramazan are often very crowded around 8pm, some people even made reservations to attend the banquet. Some places cover their windows to not bother those who are fasting and walking in front of them.

This month is traditionally a time when the hospitality and generosity are exacerbated, and if you visit the country during this time of the year you will probably receive many invitations (more than usual) for tea or dinner at locals houses or shops .

 

While in Cappadocia I received many invitations to the homes of families after the fasting time or just to talk and drink tea with them, there is very friendly people all over the country and I’ve received many demonstrations of affection and blessings in that area of the country.

 

Towards the end of Ramadan I noticed how the faces of some was not at its best. After nearly a month of fasting during the day I can imagine many must have been very tired and eager to eat and drink without limitation all day!

 

 At the end of the holy Ramazan month In Turkey, is celebrated the Ramadan holiday or Ramazan Bayramı  during three days and corresponds to the end of the fast at the end of the month of Ramazan. It is also known as Şeker Bayramı or Candy Holiday.

This day is a national holiday called “arife” and begins at sunset, so many offices close after lunch and the three-day holiday that follow, to prepare this celebration.

Many of the most important mosques are specially lit for the occasion and you can enjoy the cities with unique charm. If you travel during Ramadan in Turkey, especially in Istanbul, the city becomes very colorful and they make special lighting during the time of Ramazan.

Some museums and archaeological sites also close during the first day of the holiday. Public transportation has less frequency, so if you travel during Ramadan could be better to buy your tickets for long trips in advance.

Markets and Bazaars are always a great option to visit any time of the year in Istanbul. These are my favorites to visit Best Markets and Bazaars in Istanbul

The time at the end of Ramadan in Turkey is time to meet and visit friends and loved ones and a time to eat lots of candy ! You’ll probably see a lot more tea and coffee than usual all around the cities.

If you are traveling to a country celebrating Ramadan keep this things in mind:

– It is considered polite to avoid drinking or eating in public during daylight hours and avoid making too much noise or shouting on the street.

– Some places refrain from serving alcohol during this time, so ask before ordering if the sale of alcohol in that place is available.

– Avoid smoking in public or crowded places or in front of other people, is it not possible for Muslims to smoke at this time, then it is nice to do it far from them.

– During the night, especially in small towns and more traditional neighborhoods you will hear drummers (about 2:30 and 3:00 am) warning who are fasting when it’s the time to eat the Sahur, the first morning meal, before sunrise. If you do not want to wake up make sure to close your windows or use ear plugs.

 

 

How can I take part in this celebration?

The routine acquired throughout the month and abstinence from some activities from dawn to sunset during the month aimed to improving the morality and spirituality of the practitioner.

To travel during Ramadan in Turkey can be an opportunity to work in love, sincerity and devotion. Therefore, while traveling in a predominantly Muslim country in this time of the year may be time for some introspection about your life and what good you can give to others during your trip, right?

This is for your Pinterest board!