Most people who have travelled to Turkey for holidays will have experienced the religious culture of the country. You may have heard the Mosques calling for prayers throughout the day to its worshippers. The majority of the population of Turkey follow the Islam religion. If you are visiting Turkey at this time of year you will be aware of the celebrations of the religious festival known as’ The Holy month of Ramadan’.
Ramadan
To Muslims all over the world the month of Ramadan is a very important religious celebration, 30 days of fasting, prayers and celebrations. The Holy month begins in the early hours of the morning before sunrise with drummers nosily parading the streets of towns and villages to awaken sleeping Muslims. This is to allow them to prepare and eat the large early morning meal called ‘Sahur ’ and a last glass of water before sunrise.
After daylight nothing is allowed to pass through the mouth until sunset, from food and drink to cigarettes and chewing gum.
(The date of Ramadan is 11 days earlier each year and as it falls in the summer months sometimes Muslims are less patient in the day when fasting).
When day breaks and sunset arrives it is time to celebrate a feast known as ‘Iftar` with family and friends. Traditional Turkish fresh baked bread ‘pide` and soup is eaten, alongside pickled vegetables, olives and snacks. Larger buffet dinners are eaten later in the evening.
In Turkey the buildings and trees are decorated with coloured lights, Mosques are illuminated for crowded worshippers. The streets are like an almost carnival atmosphere, with temporary stalls selling religious books and gifts, and traditional snacks for children
The month of fasting is to put life into perspective for Muslims, a time to feel what others around the world suffer all year. It helps remind people to share, forgive and help those less fortunate, and avoid selfishness and dishonesty.
There are a few exceptions at this time for those who are elderly, pregnant and sick. Some Muslims have a stricter faith than others, but many follow this special celebration each year.
Tourist Information
Tourists visiting Turkey at this important time are welcome to join in, but should be aware that some Restaurants may refrain from serving alcohol and also have alternative menus during this time. Evenings may also become busy in cities with Muslims gathering to celebrate together. Serving alcohol may resume in larger concerns, when the evening meal has finished.
If you are in Turkey it is polite to not eat in public during daylight hours. Restaurants and Turkish Tea Houses are often very quiet at this time, but Muslim staffs are happy to continue serving food to tourists and the non religious.
Reminder for those travelling to Turkey
Ramadan dates change every year, this year the Holy month began 11 August and will run to 8 September, so celebrations are well under way. When the religious event comes to an end it is worth noting that a 3 ½ day national holiday begins and may affect travel plans due to less working hours. The 3 ½ day holiday starts on the 8th September and follows through with 9th, 10th and 11th September 2010.
