Celebrate Ramadan in Istanbul with a festive spirit

Ramadan is celebrated with quite a festive spirit in Istanbul. The celebration is in the air. You will find vibrant fairy lights everywhere your eyes wander giving a festive look and feel to the city of Istanbul during Ramadan. 

How is Ramadan celebrated in Istanbul? 

Istanbul Mosques

Historic mosques such as Sultanahmet (the Blue Mosque), the Süleymaniye, Fatih, Eyüp Sultan Mosque or the newly opened Çamlıca Mosque (Turkey’s largest mosque) are illuminated during Ramadan in Istanbul, and celebratory messages are displayed in lights. These are the most iconic Istanbul attractions in the city and are a must on your list of Istanbul places to visit.

Adhan

You get to hear the melodious adhan from some of the oldest and the beautiful mosques in Turkey. Adhan is the islamic call of prayer, composed of beautiful Islamic writings. These will uplift the spirit of every one who fasts during the Ramadan season.

Special Iftar Menu

Halal cuisine in Istanbul is known across the globe for its delectableness. Almost all of the restaurants during Ramadan have special iftar menus. Iftar is the meal eaten after the sunset during Ramadan. Typically iftar starts with breaking the fast with dates, water or fruit. This is a very special meal where families bond over faith and food. 

Here’s a 3 day itinerary for the city in two continents.

Open-Air Iftars

Istanbul is a place where not just locals but even expats are made to feel at home during Ramadan. There are free open-air iftars with live music and Quran recitations open for everyone in several places across the city. A feeling of belonging and sense of community can be strongly witnessed when several strangers gather around to share a bite during the holy season.

Talking about food, Istanbul has some of the delicious Turkish Food one must try. Are you thinking about what to try? Then Click here to savour some of the amazing Turkish delights.

Istanbul Ramadan Old Custom

Waking up in Istanbul during Ramadan is a whole new experience. The age-old custom of drummers walking down the streets before suhoor to wake people up is still very much alive in Istanbul despite the age of digitization governing every aspect of human life. It is an Ottoman era custom still being practiced that adds to the charm of Ramadan in Istanbul.

Things You Can Do and Enjoy in Istanbul During Ramadan

•  Join the iftar feast fest in Sultanahemat square.
•  Visiting world famous and old markets in Istanbul.
•  You can go for a scenic boat ride on the Bosphorus cruise.
•  Do enjoy the Turkish shadow puppet show of karagoz and Havicat.
•  Visiting Famous Mosques like the Blue mosque and other cultural sites.

Ramadan in Turkey is a wonderful experience that one must have once in a lifetime specially during the month of festivity. The city Istanbul stands out for its vibrant celebration and unique customs. Looking for more places to visit and activities? Do check out more things to do in Istanbul. You can also find Istanbul tours being organised by licensed guides, so you can skip the stress of planning your day and just enjoy being in this beautiful city.

Some of The Most Frequently Asked Queries About Turkey.

Q. Is turkey worth visiting during Ramadan?

Yes, it's absolutely one of the best times to visit Turkey. Due to Ramadan festivities tourist places.

Q. Can tourists eat and drink in Turkey during Ramadan?

Yes, tourists can eat and drink during Ramadan in cafes or restaurants or in tourist friendly spots. But be mindful to not consume food near the locals.

Q. Are attractions closed in Turkey during Ramadan?

No, these attractions are not closed in Turkey during Ramadan. All the Tourist sites are operational, though visiting hours might slightly vary in some cases. It's always advisable to check the timing in advance and plan accordingly.

Q. What must try traditional Radaman foods in Turkey?

Some of the must try foods in turkey are Iftar soup, Pide, Gullac and Shish Kebab (Turkish kebabs).

Q. Is it worth visiting the Grand Bazaar during Ramadan?

Yes, it is one of the must visit Bazaar during Ramadan. A great place to find Ramadan theme items and Turkish Specialities.

Market visits are always fun and exciting but what if i tell you Istanbul markets add an extra layer of excitement specially during the Ramadan season. If you are planning to be in Istanbul this Ramadan season don’t forget to be a part of these markets to make this Ramadan extra joyful and exciting. To have more insights about these markets click here.

Isn’t this an amazing place to be at during Ramadan? I bet you made a list of bazaars and places to explore in the city of Istanbul. So start booking your tickets too and explore the festive land of Istanbul during Ramadan. It’s a place not just of its beauty but its unique age-old customs that are still kept alive today.