Travel in Turkey During Ramazan

If you happen to travel in Turkey during Ramazan and/or Seker Bayrami (September-October), enjoy this special time, but be aware of how it may affect your travel plans. Here are the dates.

Some businesses and offices may have shorter working hours, so check times in advance.

Restaurants may require reservations in the evening, and may serve only multi-course fixed-menu, fixed-price meals—and no alcoholic beverages.

City traffic may be heaviest just before sunset as people travel to spend Iftar, the fast-breaking meal, with family and friends.

On the last day of Ramazan (dates), businesses may close in the afternoon in preparation for Seker Bayrami, which begins at sunset and lasts for three days. Transport services may be particularly busy as people travel for vacation, so reserve your seats in advance. At the end of Seker Bayrami, transport may be busy as travelers return home. More...

The dates of Ramazan change each year, moving approximately 11 days earlier, which means that the Islamic holy month falls in all seasons a one time or another.

These days Ramazan falls in September and October), when days are relatively shorter and cooler. When Ramazan comes in high summer (June, July, August), and observant Muslims choose to fast and go without drinking anything from sunrise to sunset (especially tea and tobacco), some people may become a bit "touchy" or irritable due to the challenges of the fast.

It's called Ramazan kafasi ("Ramazan head"). Keep in mind the challenges of the fast when dealing with those who are fasting, be understanding, tolerant and polite in all circumstances, and try to refrain from eating or drinking in front of those who may be observing the fast, whenever possible.

Ramazan in Turkey

Travel in Turkey During Ramazan

Seker Bayrami ("Candy Holiday," Eid es-Seghir)

Kurban Bayrami

Islamic Holidays

Islam in Turkey

When to Go

Turkish Almanac

Climatic Regions

What to Wear

Travel Details

Turkey's mosques are busy with visitors, especially in the evenings during Ramazan.