Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims. It is believed that "when it commences, the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of hell are shut while the devils are chained." The month plays a very significant role in the lives of Muslim devout as they believe that it is the months of Ramadan when the first verse of the Quran was revealed. The month is celebrated with great pomp and show irrespective of the country it is being celebrated in. Ramadan 2025 in Turkey is believed to be the most happening experience, and you must delve into its piousness if you are visiting the country soon. This year Ramadan 2025 in Turkey will begin on Friday, February 28, 2025, and conclude on Saturday, March 29, 2025. This Ramdan date in Turkey may change depending on the moon.
See How Ramadan 2025 in Turkey Brings Communities Together in Celebrations
Turkey is a vibrant country that entices people for its cultural richness and traditions. A country that celebrates festivals with thorough enlightenment and extravaganza leaves no leave unturned when it comes to celebrating Ramadan 2022 in Turkey traditionally. Here are a few age-old ottoman traditions that are still followed in Turkey, adding to the charm of the holy month.
1. Hacivat and Karagöz
Ramadan in Turkey is celebrated with full enthusiasm, where people visit their neighbors and family to wish for the holy month and bless them with prosperity. People also stroll out to enjoy theatrical performances and Hacivat and Karagöz, which are shadow puppet shows, popular amongst the local Turks.
2. Shared Iftars For One and All
Yet another age-old tradition that people follow on Ramadan festival in Turkey is the shared Iftars, especially for the less fortunate ones. Since the month is all about evoking love, compassion and kindness amongst people, shared Iftars are organized where anyone and everyone can join. People eat from the same tables and in fact from the same plates during a shared iftar. No matter where you belong to, you will always be welcome in the after fast feast in Turkey.
Suggested Read: Top 8 Uniquely Exciting Things To Do in Turkey!
3. Distribution of Gold and Silver
It is a part of shared Iftar, people who host shared iftars in Turkey, not only serve the food to all those who have joined in but also distribute pouches of silver or gold coins to the comparatively less fortunate. This tradition is referred to as Diş Kirası. This will let you know how open-heartedly people believe in spreading happiness amongst all during your Ramadan holidays in Turkey.
4. Paying Off Strangers’ Debt
Well, here is yet another unique tradition that you would be hearing for the first time apparently. It is very common that a very well-to-do person would visit the local bazaar and secretly pay off the debts of any stranger from the record book of the shopkeeper. And the stranger would never know who paid off his dues. Isn’t it interesting? This is the beauty of Ramadan in Turkey. Sometimes people wait for the start of this Ramadan calendar in Turkey to get this opportunity to celebrate it in a unique way.
Suggested Read: Beaches in Turkey: Revivify Amidst the Captivating Coasts for a Soul-Propitiating Experience
5. Firing a cannonball during Ramadan
The tradition of firing cannonballs was started by the Ottomans in Turkey during 1821 from Anatolian Fortress. Apart from these places there are several other tourist places in Turkey to capture unique experiences. The significance of the fireball is to inform the people about the start of Iftar so that they can break their fast. This traditional canon fire is launched at a very grand catching everyone's attention at ones
6. Dusk Drummers at Dawn
with an abundance of positivity and cheer, a group of drummers traditionally wander in the streets of Turkey to wake people up and mark the beginning of Suhoor. Suhoor is the first meal which is taken before the sun rises and after that the fast begins and people can eat directly during Iftar, and nothing in between.
Suggested Read: Top Things to Do in Istanbul: To Embrace the Majestic Charm of the Fascinating City
7. Distribution of Pişi and Sherbets
Since it's the holy month when people spread happiness and optimism, neighbors share and distribute succulent fried bread called Pisi along with delicious ottoman drinks during Iftar as a goodwill gesture towards others. If all these traditions have really convinced you to stay during Ramadan 2025 in Turkey this year, then you must immediately plan a trip.
How is Ramadan Celebrated in Turkey in 2025
Like every other religion, Islam too has certain rituals and protocols that need to be followed during the holy month of Ramzan in Turkey. From waking up early to going back to bed, there are multiple things that are executed from the first day of Ramadan till the last that a Rozadaar has to properly follow. Here are few most significant things that Ramdan timetable in Turkey consists of:
Suggested Read: Everything to Know About Ramadan 2022 in Qatar
First meal 'Suhur'
During Ramadan the devout Muslims wake up before dawn and eat their first meal also called Suhoor or sehri. Since it is the only meal consumed till sunset, it has to be rich in protein. People are required to drink as much water as they can till dawn, so the body remains hydrated throughout the day. As dawn breaks and fast begins, people abstain from consuming anything.
Fasting from Dawn till Dusk
The literal meaning of fasting is not letting anything pass through the lips. Licking an envelope or biting a nail too, are prohibited from dawn till dusk. It's all about understanding patience and resistance. Take the opportunity, spend Ramadan holiday in Turkey and live this divine experience and learn the true meaning of spirituality in Turkey during Ramadan.
Suggested Read: Ramadan In Saudi Arabia: Observing The Holiest Month In the Pious Land
Iftar and Common Feastings
Ramadan is about celebrating everything from dawn till dusk and beyond. As soon as the dust falls, the ceremonial feast begins. Known as Iftar this meal brings a wave of joy, and they get to relish freshly baked bread, soup, vegetables, dates etc. People savor the Iftar with their loved ones followed by a more elaborate dinner which is held later.
Prayers and Recitals
During the holiest month of Ramazan, Muslims completely involve themselves into prayers. There are many places in Istanbul and Turkey, where you can recite your prayers in group. Prayers are the integral part for the followers of Islam, and during Ramdan, there are ten prayers, that are recited to feel more connected to Allah. Out of the 10, no two prayers are the same, and have different duas.
Ramazan Bayramı or Eid al fitr
Also known as Ramadan feast is a 3-day festival. Eid al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and the holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month. The date of Eid al Fitr 2025 depends on the sighting of the moon.
Suggested Read: Food In Qatar That Will Leave You Drooling For More
Traditional Ramadan Dishes in Turkey
It is a little paradoxical that the month known for fasting is also celebrated for feasts and succulent dishes. There are certain transition Turkish dishes served which are no less than a treat on Ramadan in Turkey for tourists. Here is a list of the most loved delicacies that you will not stop craving once you have tasted them.
- Turkish Soups: Traditional Turkish soup is served as the first course during the meals in many Anatolian homes. During the holy month of Ramadan, the fast is always broken with soup, fresh bread and olives.
- Kavurma: Better known as Kurban Bayramı it is a traditional Turkish home cooked dish. Made generally with sacrificial meat. It is a traditional dish that is made on Eid al Adha right after the sacrifice. It is a simple dish, basically the meat of the animal that’s cooked in its own juices along with some salt.
- Revani: A classic dessert that has been present in Turkish cuisine since the Ottoman period. It is a cake, that has been adapted by many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. It is called basbousa in Arabic and shamali.
Experiencing Ramdan in Turkey is truly something special that one can enjoy during their visit in Turkey. You will be amazed to see how the streets come alive with lights, and the rich traditions fill the air with excitement and warmth. If you ever get the chance, make sure to visit Turkey during this time. You’ll enjoy the delicious food, see the beauty of the local culture, and feel the strong sense of strength and unity in the community. If you’re planning a trip, check our website for perfectly curated Turkey tour packages that include this magical time of year. It’s a perfect way to explore the country while experiencing the unique customs and festive atmosphere. So, if you are interested in these traditions, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey in the land of the Ottomans.
Ramadan in Turkey - FAQs
Ramadan 2025 in Turkey is believed to be the most happening experience, and you must delve into its piousness if you are visiting the country soon. This year Ramadan in Turkey will begin on Friday, February 28, 2025, and conclude on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Sahur must be completed before the dawn call to prayer. In 2025, this will be around 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM across most of Turkey, with slight difference in time depending on the city location.
Yes, many cities hold special events like Ramadan bazaars, concerts, and traditional religious services. The atmosphere is festive, with public gatherings for iftar meals and special prayers held at mosques, especially on the final days of Ramadan.
Also known as Ramadan feast is a 3-day festival. Eid al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and this Ramadan holiday in Turkey celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month. The date of Eid al Fitr 2025 will be either Saturday 29 March 2025 – Sunday 30 March, 2025.
It is a little paradoxical that the month known for fasting is also celebrated for feasts and succulent dishes. There are certain transition Turkish dishes served in Ramadan, after the sunset feasts. Turkish Soups, Kavurma and Revani are few of the most loved dishes.
While tourists are not required to fast, they are welcome to observe and participate in public iftar meals and events. Many restaurants also offer special iftar menus for those who wish to join in the celebration.
Public transportation in major cities like Istanbul usually runs on a regular schedule. However, there might be changes in the timing of public services during iftar hours. People get to know about any such changes in advance.
Most businesses, including shops, restaurants, malls, and tourist sites, remain open during Ramadan. However, many of them take care of their employees and close earlier than usual in the evening to allow employees to break their fast and perform evening prayers.
