In this era of technology and gender equality, Turkey has been considered a modern state for almost a decade. Turkish law no longer requires wearing a burqa, having three wives, or abstaining from alcohol—in short, the choice is yours. The same applies to national Turkish holidays, the most important of which is Ramadan. While fasting is not legally required, it's not surprising that not all Turks do so. However, statistics with precise figures are not yet available, and religious institutions provide very vague data on this matter. However, many Turkish citizens still maintain ancient traditions and adhere to these unchanging rules, so, surprisingly, many tourists may be quite surprised if they find themselves vacationing in Turkey on the eve of or during this national Turkish holiday. But what awaits vacationers during Ramadan? What is permitted and what is not? What are its advantages and disadvantages for tourists? And how should they behave during this time? I will tell you about these and many other interesting things in this article.
A brief explanation of the holiday
Ramadan, or Ramazan, is the ninth month of the Turkish lunar calendar, considered a special month for this nation. For Muslims, it entails strict fasting, meaning they are forbidden from eating or drinking anything during the day, or even smoking, until sunset. Many Muslims actively pray during this time, seeking to atone for their own and their ancestors' sins. These restrictions do not apply to pregnant women, nursing mothers, young children, the elderly, and the disabled. For other believers, the rules are extended, as they are believed to foster acceptance, humility, and the opportunity for spiritual development.
Difference between Ramadan and Ramadan Bayram
It's also worth noting that Ramadan and Ramadan Bayram are completely different. Ramadan Bayram is considered a three-day holiday, while the name Ramadan itself refers to the month during which fasting occurs. Ramadan Bayram, or "sweet holiday," is, to put it mildly, not the best time for a tourist vacation, as hotels are overcrowded with locals who overflow during this holiday. Streets, parks, clubs, water parks, and restaurants are lined with horrendous queues during the holiday, unlike during the month itself, when all these places are empty and vacationers can visit them freely and comfortably. Therefore, if you don't want to look foolish or get into trouble when you arrive on vacation, it's best not to confuse these two events!
Rules of conduct and instructions for tourists during Ramadan
In principle, if you're looking for a beach, sea, pool, and other amenities at an all-inclusive resort in Turkey, it doesn't really matter when you arrive. All the options allow for all the delights and entertainment for tourists: fire shows, discos, children's programs, nightclubs, and other activities within the hotels themselves are open and continue to operate. But if you want to go on excursions or enjoy all the sights, when you arrive TurkeyI advise choosing a time outside of the Ramadan Bayram holiday itself.
Pros and cons of fasting during Ramadan
The main advantage for tourists during Ramadan is that you can freely visit water parks and other entertainment venues without fear of being caught in huge crowds. This is unsurprising, as locals are prohibited (or rather, discouraged) from swimming, enjoying themselves, and enjoying themselves during this month. However, even tourists are advised to dress more politely and modestly and behave in the streets and restaurants during Ramadan. Roughly speaking, to draw an analogy with Slavic religion, during this period, all of Turkey turns into a single temple, where vulgarity and provocative behavior are not particularly welcome. However, if you're vacationing near Istanbul or another large city, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Many cafes and restaurants are open, although there are certain restrictions, such as not selling alcohol or fatty meats like pork.
