Turkey is a fascinating and captivating place to be during the holy month of Ramadan. It’s the time when traditions and celebrations merge into one festive season. From the Suhoor drums that resound through Istanbul’s streets before dawn, to the quaint markets selling traditional Turkish cuisine, Ramadan in Turkey is an experience for everyone.
Steeped in traditions of Islam and Christianity it’s no wonder visitors continue to flock to the country’s ancient cities during this time. Istanbul has 3,113 mosques, of which three – the Sultanahmet Mosque (better known as The Blue Mosque), Suleymaniye Mosque and Eyüp Sultan Mosque – have gained worldwide stature. During Ramadan the beauty of Turkey’s ancient architecture can be truly admired and appreciated as the structures light up and people flock to it.During Ramadan the cities gastronomical culture should be something of a journey for any visitor. Restaurants, road side cafes and rustic stalls cater for visitors with special iftar menus. It always includes freshly-baked flat bread - known as ‘Ramadan Pide’ - soup, pickled vegetables, olives and other easily-prepared edibles. Elaborate dinners are held later in the evening. Common items on the menu include succulent kebabs – prepared the Turkish way – traditional mouth-watering deserts such as baklava, gullac – made with milk and pistachio, often enjoyed at many cafes around the country. For those seeking post iftar snacks sample sweet corn, sausage sandwiches and roasted chestnuts along with Turkish coffee and tea.Every year the Istanbul municipality arranges entertainment for people partaking in Ramadan. The city is transformed into a festival hub, with lots of activities to keep everyone entertained. The main festivities are around the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (The Blue Mosque). During this period the city never sleeps as there are lots of activities to keep everyone – young and old – entertained. Restaurants are open 24 hours a day. There is a certain carnival atmosphere with stalls selling religious books and paraphernalia, traditional snacks and even something for the kids.In the middle of the night experience true Turkish tradition as drummers circulate through towns and villages to wake sleepers so they can prepare for sahoor, the big early-morning meal to be eaten before the fast begins again at sunrise. It’s an amazing atmosphere with festivals occurring everywhere, teaching people the true spirit of Ramadan. In fact crowds sometimes turn The Sultan Ahmet Mosque gardens into an impromptu picnic are with families relaxing and spending the day looking at the scenery.In addition the courtyard houses an Islamic book fair with over 50 publishers offering various books. Stalls also offer Turkish arts such as calligraphy, tiling and jewellery.