How is istanbul during ramadan

The neighborhood, which is home to both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, was home to Ottoman sultans for centuries as well. During Ramadan, Istanbulites and people from all over Turkey and the world gather at Sultanahmet Square.

While some pray at the Blue Mosque, which is adorned with blue, green and white İznik tiles, some break their fast on the lawns at the square, turning iftar into a nice picnic amid the spiritual atmosphere of Sultanahmet. It is one of the oldest and most significant mosques in Istanbul, built right after the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II.

The site also features the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, an important Islamic figure in terms of Istanbul's history, where Muslims pay their respect and pray for him throughout the year, but especially during Ramadan. The cloak is made of linen, cotton and silk and displayed inside a special box. As a tourist, it can be very exciting to get to know this other side of Istanbul. Despite fasting, everyday life takes its usual course and tourists do not have to expect disadvantages.

Although it is considered polite not to eat and drink on the street during the day, this is not a requirement and is generally tolerated. Some establishments may not sell alcoholic drinks or close for renovation, but the metropolis offers plenty of alternatives, so there is no need to worry.

In the evening, as the time of iftar approaches breaking of the fast , a lively atmosphere returns to the city. I plan to visit majority of the attractions from museums to bazaars, palaces to mosques, cruises and trips.

Will Ramadan have an effect? Please let me know if there are special events also happening near by during my stay. I appreciate all the info and help I can get and thank you in advance.

I can really only advise about Istanbul Cappadocia is stunning though! Enjoy your trip! My parents and I will be in Istanbul during Ramadan this year nd May. Would there be any ramadan bazaar or cultural activities? Is it worth to take day trip to Bursa? I am traveling this year to Istanbul for the 2nd time as I love this city so much. Will this affect my stay? Will the shops in Istiklal and taksim open normally during the day? Will hotels serve breakfast or food? Can we visit the mosque, Hagia Sophia and the grand bazar?

Appreciate your help. Ramadan will have no negative impact on your stay at all. Shops in Istiklal and Taksim will be open as usual and hotels and restaurants will serve breakfast, food and alcohol too. You can visit all of the tourist attractions in the normal way.

Have a great time…. We are planning on stopping in Istanbul for 4 days on our way to Switzerland I may around 22 to 25th. Would that be a good time to visit the blue mosque and grand bazaar?

Should I be advised on any tourist attractions being closed during those days? Visiting Istanbul during Ramadan is always interesting and good. All of the tourist attractions will be open as usual. Wish you a lovely time! Hi Julia. I will be at Istanbul from 14 JuneJune. With 18th leaving the city. May i know if places like grand bazaar is closed? And tourist places?? Thank you very much. Hello Agnes, most shops will be closed for the first day of Bayram, June 15th.

On the second and third days, many are usually open but it depends on their family situations as the owners will balance the importance of family time with work time and income. Many in touristic areas should be open after the first day. I hope this helps. We are visiting Istanbul this weekend and we want to know if it is possible to have iftar at sultanahmet cami square and do you need to make reservations if you want to sit at one of the long tables? Have a lovely weekend!

Ramadan is the month of blessing, togetherness, and celebrations, I would love to spend time in Turkey in the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak! I am going to Istanbul for the sixth time on June. We are going from the 10th to the 17th. I would like to visit street markets, and I want to know if Fatih Wednesday market will be working normally on the 13th of June. Also If you could tell me any street market similar to Fatih on Mondays, to go on the 11th of June. This information is really important for me because has been impossible to find it on internet.

But this time, because of Ramadan, I have these doubts that I am asking for. Many thanks in advance!! Our manager Taskin has asked around for you. We believe that on June 11th Rami bazaar can be visited, very similar to Fatih bazaar.

Hello we are spending fitr holiday in istanbul but we are planning to do shopping and visit touristics places. Are the shops closed? And where do you advise us to go in istanbul.

Hello Vanessa, most shops will be closed for the first day of Fitr Bayram in Turkish. On the second and third days, most are usually open but it depends on their family situations as the owners will balance the importance of family time with work time and income. As for where to go, it will really depend on your interests: Istanbul is huge! Perhaps you should start in Sultanahmet though not for the first day of Bayram when museums will be closed to see something of the famous tourist sights and take it from there.

We would advise you to buy a good guidebook before you go and research according to your interests. View Hotel. Hippodrome Hotel. Istanbul Sirkeci Hotel. The Public. May Hotel Istanbul. Istiklal St. Historial Hotel. Hotel Amira Istanbul. Basileus Hotel. View all hotels. Top questions about Istanbul. Is Turkey or Istanbul safe? How to get from Sabiha Gokcen airport to Sultanahmet old city? What are the useful websites, blogs and videos on Istanbul and Turkey?

Alper 4, forum posts. VillaRhapsody 10, forum posts. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions.