The significance of this month
Istanbul is illuminated by good tidings as Ramadan, the holiest month of the year, is welcomed. These good tidings are being heralded in mosques around the city. ‘Welcome Ramadan’, ‘The Holiest Month’, ‘Know it’s Worth’, ‘Know the Great Value of This Month’ are the words that welcome the public to Ramadan.
During Ramadan, Istanbul rises each morning for the pre-dawn mean, to the sounds of drums, usually accompanied, in some parts of Istanbul, by the sound of canons. As İftar (fast-breaking meal) approaches, in Istanbul, there is a sweet sense of peace and excitement in the air, as everyone prepares the feast, whether at home or at work, or the city squares.
Incredible flavors of Ramadan
Although Ramadan meals depend on the season, iftar is always a feast. Olives, pide (Turkish pizza), and dates, salty and sweet treats, are the necessities required for those that fast during Ramadan. What could go better with the warm Ramadan pide straight from the oven than olives and delicious dates? The other flavors of Ramadan feasts are of the Turkish cuisine, which vary from region to region.
Sharing is caring at Ramadan feasts
In Istanbul, Ramadan is more than a period of individual worship; it is a time when social belonging and the culture of sharing reach their peak. Iftar, fast-breaking meal, tables set up in nearly every square of the city bring together people from different cultures and languages, united by warmth and reaffirming Istanbul’s inclusive and unifying identity. The iftar areas established in central locations function far beyond simple meal distribution points; they serve as vast gathering hubs where thousands share a collective sense of serenity at the same moment. Supported by sustainable food management and advanced logistical infrastructure, these large-scale organizations provide tens of thousands of guests each day with a dining experience that meets high standards.
Sultanahmet Square, the spiritual heart of the city, and the Üsküdar waterfront, with its refreshing Bosphorus breeze, remain among the most sought-after spots for communal iftars. Breaking the fast in the majestic shadow of Hagia Sophia Mosque or facing the unique silhouette of the Maiden’s Tower turns the evening into an unforgettable feast for residents and visitors alike. To keep pace with the city’s dynamic rhythm, mobile catering units stationed along major transportation networks deliver practical, thoughtfully prepared iftar offerings to those still on the move in areas such as Kadıköy, Eminönü, and Beşiktaş. These tables, where abundance grows through sharing, remain among the strongest ties that sustain Istanbul’s centuries-old hospitality.
Vibrant squares of Istanbul
After Iftar, from Istanbul mosques a Ramadan call from magnificent minarets resonated through the streets. In the month of Ramadan, women and men, girls and boys of all ages gather at the mosques of Istanbul, to say Teravih prayer. After prayer, the Ramadan events in Istanbul take place in centers such as Feshane, Sultanahmet. Sufi music performances, poetry readings, traditional performances and religious talks liven the spirit of Ramadan. Puppet plays, such as Karagöz and Hacivat are unforgettable and funny Ramadan experiences for children.
Rediscover Istanbul during Ramadan
The Historic Peninsula is the most important part of Istanbul during Ramadan, and the best time to visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern. Enjoy Istanbul’s Ramadan festivities to the fullest in Gülhane Park, Sultanahmet Square, Çemberlitaş and Beyazıt Square.
Hz. Eyüp Sultan Mosque, where the tomb of Mohammad’s companions, Khalid bin Zaid Abu Eyyub al-Ansari lies, and Oruç Baba Mausoleum, where the first day of fasting in Ramadan begins, are must see places. Here, on the first and last days of Ramadan, visitors are offered the post-iftar treats: olives, vinegar, bread and sugar. During the month of Ramadan, view the Hz. Hirka-i Şe rif, the sacred cardigan bequeathed to Veysel Karani at the request of Muhammad, at the Hirka-i Şerif Mosque. Yahya Efendi Tomb in Çırağan and Yuşa Hill in Beykoz are other important places of worship.
Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar
During Ramadan, the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar are the places to shop. From jewellers to souvenir shops, glass and copper accesories to handmade rugs, there is no end to the traditional pieces you can find. The Spice Bazaar is ideal for those look to add a unique flavor to their iftar meal.
A farewell and a new beginning
As the serene atmosphere of Ramadan gradually gives way to the joy of the holiday, Istanbul awakens to a different kind of excitement. Those who have experienced the spiritual fulfillment of fasting, one of the pillars of Islam, begin preparing to bid farewell to this sacred month on the eve, known as “arife,” a term meaning “before the beautiful days.” While the day is marked by prayer and devotion, a gentle bustle spreads across the city in anticipation of the first morning of the feast. As the sun sets, the illuminated “mahya”s, decorative lights strung up between the soaring minarets, join in the transition; the messages that once read “Welcome, O Ramadan” are replaced by tender yet hopeful farewells.
The following morning, Istanbul greets the day with the takbirs, proclamations of God’s greatness, from the minarets during the Eid prayer. Echoing from the historic peninsula to the shores of the Bosphorus, these voices signal the beginning of a grand reunion. What follows are the beloved Eid traditions, ranging from deeply rooted family visits to cheerful walks along the waterfront.
These festive Eid days also offer a wonderful opportunity to rediscover Istanbul’s centuries-old bazaars, serene palaces, and historic bathhouses. From museums to contemporary art galleries, from the most vibrant Bosphorus neighborhoods to narrow streets steeped in history, the entire city welcomes those eager to create new memories. Especially in parks and groves where the first signs of spring appear, savoring a cup of coffee becomes a quiet reminder of the distinctive pleasure of celebrating Eid in Istanbul.
Ottoman Ramadan
Throughout the 600-year reign of the Ottoman Empire, the month of Ramadan has always held utmost importance. Preparations for Ramadan would begin 3 months before in houses, mosques and on the streets. The Ottomans always implemented their distinctive traditions. Firstly, the ‘Ramadan Tembihnameleri’ was announced to the public. This tembihnamelerde states the importance of not wasting food, of wearing modest clothing and maintaining hygiene. The debts of the randomly selected people from the debt books called Zimem notebook were eliminated, and bread prices were fixed at an affordable price so no one would stay hungry. During iftar (fast-breaking) all doors were open to visitors. The tables were laden with the finest delicacies of Ottoman cuisine, and specialties of Ottoman iftar. In the month of Ramadan, until the time of sahur, there were puppet plays like Karagöz, tales were told by a Meddah (a public storyteller) and improvised performances were put on.
