| Turkey holidays during the holy month of Ramadan | | | | entertainment. Travelers are not expected to fast as |
| are particularly special and interesting. It is an | | | | well; however, they may find that some restaurants |
| enlightening and revealing time, especially for | | | | have shortened hours, or restricted menus, during |
| non-Muslim travelers, who may not be prepared for | | | | this month. Eateries that typically serve alcohol may |
| the restrictions which may be in place throughout the | | | | not do so during this month. It is considered polite for |
| month. But these restrictions can be seen as a rare | | | | visitors to not eat in front of those who are |
| opportunity to observe and participate in another | | | | observing the fast. Consequently, travelers may be |
| culture's beliefs, helping new understanding to emerge | | | | required to eat indoors, rather than on a sidewalk or |
| and allowing travelers to learn more on their Turkey | | | | terrace. |
| holidays than they ever thought possible. | | | | Travelers should also be aware of the revelry that |
| It helps to be aware of what Ramadan is, and how it | | | | takes place during the hours of darkness. Feasting |
| is observed, before traveling to Turkey during this | | | | and entertainment begin after the sun has set, and |
| holy month. Ramadan takes place during the ninth | | | | these sights are a spectacle no visitor should miss. Be |
| month of the Islamic calendar and features | | | | aware, however, that the streets will be patrolled by |
| approximately 28 days of fasting and contemplation | | | | drummers during the very early morning hours to |
| for those who observe the holiday. Ramadan | | | | awaken celebrants so that they may prepare the |
| commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's receipt of | | | | pre-dawn meal that must sustain the fasters during |
| the revelation of the Qur'an from the angel Gabriel | | | | the hours of daylight. If you do not wish to be |
| and many modern-day Muslims in Turkey will strictly | | | | awakened, be sure to pack earplugs so that you |
| observe this holiday. | | | | may sleep through the disturbance. |
| Perhaps the most notable practice involved in the | | | | Also consider that many people in Turkey are fasting |
| observance of Ramadan is the fasting. Between | | | | at this time, which means they may be hungry, |
| sunrise and sunset, Muslims will not allow anything to | | | | dehydrated, and somewhat disoriented. Be patient, |
| pass their lips including food, drink, gum, and | | | | polite, and observant, and above all, enjoy this special |
| cigarettes. When the sun goes down, they break | | | | time on your Turkey holidays. |
| their fast and gather with family for feasting and | | | | |