Ramadan is the holy month of fasting (oruç in Turkish) by Muslims all over the world, in memory of the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. The day of the month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. And although it is lunar and often deviates about 11 days from the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan change and often return about 11 days earlier each year. The month of Ramadan in 2022 will be from April 2 to May 2.

There are a few things that non-Muslim travelers should know when visiting a Muslim country at this time of year, so that they can both visit the city while respecting the beliefs of the host country.

First of all, you will not face any problems in Istanbul during Ramadan as Istanbul is a tourist city and there is hardly much disturbance during Ramadan. You can comfortably eat at any time without being disturbed or scrutinized. But you should respect Muslims and should not eat or drink (especially alcoholic beverages) in public areas that appear to be displayed in front of them. And it will be better if you dress casually.

All cafes, restaurants, street food vendors, shops, supermarkets, shopping malls are open. You should know that many Turks will not fast either. So you will see many locals eating at restaurants, cafes, streets, etc. throughout the day. So you won't be the only one not fasting. You will certainly find lunches and snacks everywhere. However, the restaurants will be crowded at dusk, when the Muslims are about to dine iftar.

You will probably be surprised or shocked to hear loud drums pounding in the middle of the night or at 02:00-03:00 in the morning. Fear not, this is a custom during Ramadan to help people get up and prepare meals before dawn begins.

What would a typical day in Istanbul during Ramadan look like?

During the month of Ramadan, most Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to dusk and they only have one evening meal called iftar. And most importantly the evening prayers. The month of Ramadan can be considered as the best month to visit Istanbul if you want to experience and Islamic traditions and feel a holy holy month. On these days, the city becomes significantly slower and quieter. You can learn about local culture, experience and enjoy Islamic traditions and festivals, or try authentic Turkish food in Istanbul during Ramadan.

Ramadan is celebrated in Istanbul every year. The spiritual atmosphere of the city brings peace to visitors with a reflection of sharing, love and tolerance. The city shines with lights from mosques, lively festivals with many activities, fairs, exhibitions, shopping and transforms into a sacred atmosphere.

Almost every restaurant in the city prepares special menus for iftar meals because iftar is about sharing a spirit that goes beyond food. And after iftar, the frenzy of Ramadan prayers can be felt in all the mosques, especially in the vicinity of Sultanahmet, Eyup, Maltepe and Uskudar.

The traditional celebrations and festivals of Ramadan that begin after the iftar meal are also very special and let visitors have a good night until the sahur (pre-dawn meal). You will find many iftar tents set up in most of the city's famous squares. Pide (a flatbread baked with toppings in a stone oven) and gullac (a dessert made with gullac sheets, milk, sugar, rose water, and walnuts) are the signature flavors of the month. Ramadan that the locals look for the most during this time.

Various cultural fairs and events are organized in Istanbul during Ramadan by the Municipal Government, such as book fairs, exhibitions, poetry nights, traditional art events, seminars, events Calligraphers events, whirlpool performances, Sufi music and spiritual concerts of this Holy month. Sultanahmet Square, Beyazit Square, Eyup, Feshane, Yenikapi, Uskudar and Maltepe city park are the main spots for all these events.

Hotels in Istanbul will be much quieter and more affordable rooms during Ramadan. Most cafes and restaurants in the city are open during the day during Ramadan. You can comfortably eat. Restaurants will be less crowded at lunchtime. Most nightclubs will be closed during Ramadan in Istanbul. Some places are still open, mostly in tourist areas, but they don't offer much entertainment in honor of the Holy Month. Most places offering alcoholic beverages are closed during Ramadan.

Shopping malls and markets are more colorful than ever during the month of Ramadan. Most boutiques, department stores and supermarkets are open until midnight. Especially tourist areas like Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Eminonu and Taksim. The vibrant shopping malls are also ideal for having a good time in a cool environment.

It can be said that visiting tourist attractions in Istanbul during Ramadan is very enjoyable and without too many crowds. Public transport remains the same during Ramadan in Istanbul. You can only face the busy hours before sunset when locals rush back home for dinner.