Ramadan Month and Its Impact on Life in Turkey

Introduction

Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic world, holding great spiritual significance and recognized as a time of worship, sharing, and solidarity for Muslims. In Turkey, Ramadan is a special period where traditional and modern life intertwine. This article will explore the effects of Ramadan on social life, the economy, and individuals in Turkey, while also providing statistical and numerical data about the month of Ramadan.

The Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar and is considered holy because, according to Islamic belief, the Quran was first revealed during this month. Throughout Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from eating, drinking, and other worldly pleasures. As of 2023, Turkey has a population of approximately 85 million, with 99% identifying as Muslim, and studies indicate that 70-80% of them observe fasting during Ramadan.

To engage in worship and strengthen spirituality, many people attend mosques during Ramadan. Turkey has nearly 90,000 mosques, and during Ramadan, these mosques see large congregations for Tarawih prayers. The Sultanahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul are among the most visited mosques during this period.

How is Ramadan Observed in Turkey?

Ramadan is a significant period that influences many aspects of society in Turkey. The month brings changes in individual worship habits, social traditions, and economic activities.

1. Social Impact

Ramadan brings notable changes to social life. People tend to be more patient, tolerant, and generous. Family bonds strengthen, iftar tables become crowded, and family visits increase. A 2022 study in Turkey found that family visits increase by 65% during Ramadan.

Charitable activities also increase significantly during Ramadan. Thousands of municipalities and foundations establish iftar tents across the country. In 2023, more than 5,000 iftar tents were set up in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Additionally, donations for fitrah and zakat see an increase. According to the Presidency of Religious Affairs, the total amount of fitrah and zakat collected during Ramadan 2023 exceeded 3 billion TL.

2. Economic Impact

Ramadan has a substantial impact on the economy. Particularly, the food and retail sectors experience significant growth. In Turkey, food expenditures increase by 30% during Ramadan. Special products such as dates, Ramadan pita, and güllaç become highly demanded items in markets, bakeries, and butcher shops.

Conversely, some sectors experience a slowdown. The entertainment industry and cafes see a decrease in customers. However, thanks to iftar events, restaurant and hotel occupancy rates can increase by up to 50%.

3. Changes in Daily Life

Daily routines shift during Ramadan. People wake up late at night for suhoor, perform the morning prayer, and often go back to sleep. Traffic congestion is reduced in the morning but increases in the evening as people rush home for iftar.

Daily Routine in Ramadan:

• Suhoor: 85% of those in Turkey eat traditional breakfast foods for suhoor, while 15% prefer lighter options.
• Daytime: Work pace slows slightly. In public institutions, working hours are generally set between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
• Iftar: In major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, restaurant reservations reach 90% capacity during iftar hours.
• Tarawih Prayer: The number of people attending mosques increases by 40% during Ramadan.
• Nighttime Activities: 60% of people follow Quran recitation sessions, making it one of the most popular religious activities during Ramadan.

Ramadan Traditions in Turkey

1. Ramadan Pita

One of the most consumed foods in Turkey during Ramadan is Ramadan pita. In 2023, approximately 300 million Ramadan pitas were sold nationwide.

2. Drummers and Ramadan Songs

A tradition dating back to the Ottoman era, Ramadan drummers walk through neighborhoods at suhoor time, waking people up with drums and rhyming couplets. There are about 10,000 Ramadan drummers across Turkey.

3. Mahya Tradition

Lighted messages strung between mosque minarets, known as "mahya," are displayed on more than 300 mosques in Turkey during Ramadan.

4. Iftar Tents

In Istanbul alone, over 1,200 iftar tents were set up in Ramadan 2023.

5. Hacivat and Karagöz Shadow Plays

During Ramadan, over 500 Hacivat and Karagöz shadow play performances take place across Turkey.

Eid al-Fitr: The Celebration of Fasting

During Eid al-Fitr, over 5 million people in Turkey visit their relatives. Intercity travel increases by 40% during the holiday period.

Here are 20 of the most frequently asked questions about Ramadan, along with their answers:

1. What is Ramadan?

   • Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

2. Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

   • Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It serves to promote self-discipline, spiritual growth, and empathy for the less fortunate.

3. How long does Ramadan last?

   • Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning and end of the month.

4. What are the fasting hours during Ramadan?

   • Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) each day during Ramadan.

5. Who is exempt from fasting during Ramadan?

   • Exemptions include children, the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, travelers, and those who are ill or have health conditions that make fasting unsafe.

6. What is Suhoor?

   • Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal consumed before the daily fast begins.

7. What is Iftar?

   • Iftar is the meal eaten after sunset to break the daily fast.

8. What foods are traditionally eaten during Iftar?

   • Many Muslims break their fast with dates and water, followed by a variety of foods that vary by culture and region.

9. Can Muslims drink water during the fast?

   • No, during the fasting hours, Muslims abstain from all food and drink, including water.

10. Are there special prayers during Ramadan?

    • Yes, in addition to the five daily prayers, Muslims perform Tarawih, extra prayers conducted after the Isha (night) prayer during Ramadan.

11. What is the significance of the Quran during Ramadan?

    • Ramadan is believed to be the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Muslims often increase their recitation and study of the Quran during this time.

12. What is Zakat al-Fitr?

    • Zakat al-Fitr is a form of charity given to the poor at the end of Ramadan, intended to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech.

13. What is Eid al-Fitr?

    • Eid al-Fitr is the festival marking the end of Ramadan. It is a day of celebration, communal prayers, feasting, and giving gifts.

14. Can non-Muslims participate in Ramadan?

    • Non-Muslims are welcome to join in certain aspects, such as attending Iftar meals, to learn and show support, but they are not expected to fast.

15. How does Ramadan affect daily life?

    • Daily routines may adjust to accommodate pre-dawn meals, fasting, and additional prayers. Work and school schedules might also be modified in some communities.

16. Is fasting during Ramadan healthy?

    • Fasting can have health benefits if approached properly, but individuals with health concerns should consult a medical professional before fasting.

17. Why does the date of Ramadan change every year?

    • The Islamic calendar is lunar, so Ramadan moves approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

18. What is Laylat al-Qadr?

    • Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Decree, is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed. It is considered the holiest night of the year, occurring in the last ten days of Ramadan.

19. Can medication be taken during fasting hours?

    • Taking medication orally breaks the fast. Those who require regular medication should consult a religious authority and healthcare provider.

20. How can employers support Muslim employees during Ramadan?

    • Employers can offer flexible work hours, provide a private space for prayer, and be understanding of the physical demands of fasting.

These answers provide a general overview of common questions about Ramadan. Practices and observances can vary based on cultural, regional, and individual differences.

Do all Islamic countries observe Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr on the same dates?

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr generally follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the sighting of the crescent moon. While many Islamic countries try to observe these dates simultaneously, variations can occur due to differences in moon sighting methods and astronomical calculations.

For example:

• Saudi Arabia and the UAE often rely on moon sightings announced by religious authorities.
• Turkey follows astronomical calculations to determine the dates in advance.
• Pakistan and Morocco typically depend on local moon sightings, which can sometimes lead to different dates.

These differences may cause a one- or two-day variation in the start and end of Ramadan across different countries.

How Do Muslims in Europe Observe Ramadan?

Muslims in Europe observe Ramadan in a similar way to those in Muslim-majority countries, but with some adjustments due to cultural and environmental differences.

• Longer or Shorter Fasting Hours – In northern European countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland, daylight hours can be very long in summer, making fasting more challenging. Some Muslims follow the fasting schedule of Mecca or the closest Islamic country with moderate hours.

• Work and School Balance – Many Muslims in Europe continue their daily routines, including work and school, while fasting. Employers and schools may offer accommodations, but most people manage their schedules around fasting hours.

• Community Iftar and Prayers – Mosques and Islamic centers organize community iftar meals and Taraweeh prayers, creating a sense of unity. Many also host interfaith gatherings to promote understanding between different communities.

• Access to Halal Food – In major European cities, halal food is widely available, making it easier for Muslims to prepare traditional Ramadan meals.

• Zakat and Charity – Many Muslims in Europe engage in charitable activities, donating to local and international causes as part of Ramadan’s emphasis on generosity and helping the less fortunate.

Despite being a minority in Europe, Muslims maintain strong Ramadan traditions, adapting to their environment while preserving the spiritual essence of the holy month.

How many days does Ramadan move back each year, and how many years does it take to complete a full cycle?

Ramadan is determined according to the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. The Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar consisting of 354 or 355 days, which is approximately 10-11 days shorter than the 365 or 366-day Gregorian (solar) calendar.

Due to this difference, Ramadan moves back by about 10-11 days each year. For example, if Ramadan begins on March 1st in one year, the following year it will start around February 18-19.

As this shift continues, it takes approximately 33-34 years for Ramadan to return to the same period in the Gregorian calendar. In other words, Ramadan completes a full cycle and aligns with its original starting point every 33-34 years.

Tips for Tourists Visiting Turkey During Ramadan

1. Respect Fasting Hours – Many locals fast from sunrise to sunset. While restaurants and cafes in tourist areas remain open, be mindful when eating or drinking in public.

2. Adjust Your Dining Schedule – Some restaurants may adjust their hours, opening later in the evening for iftar (the fast-breaking meal). Trying a traditional iftar meal can be a great cultural experience.

3. Expect Changes in Business Hours – Some shops, banks, and government offices may operate on reduced hours, especially in non-touristic areas.

4. Experience Ramadan Traditions – Mosques are beautifully lit, and evening prayers (Taraweeh) create a special atmosphere. You may also see drummers waking people up for suhoor (pre-dawn meal).

5. Plan for Increased Evening Crowds – After iftar, streets, parks, and markets become livelier as families and friends gather. Expect busier restaurants and traffic in major cities.

Enjoy your visit to Turkey and embrace the unique atmosphere of Ramadan!

Ramadan 2025: Start Date and Eid al-Fitr Celebration

Ramadan in 2025 will begin on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, and end on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025.

At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) is celebrated. This special occasion marks the completion of the fasting month and is observed with communal prayers, family gatherings, festive meals, and charitable giving (Zakat al-Fitr). It is a time of joy, gratitude, and strengthening social bonds.

Conclusion

Ramadan in Turkey is a period of profound spirituality, traditional customs, and significant social impact. It marks a peak in communal solidarity, economic activity, and individual devotion. Each year, millions of people in Turkey participate in this sacred month, making it a deeply ingrained religious and cultural experience.