Istanbul during Ramadan

[Buddyboysie]

We've been to Europe several times and have always wanted to go to Turkey. We're about to book on a western med. cruise leaving from Istanbul, and want to spend a few days in the city beforehand - The trip happens to fall during Ramadan. Have any of you traveled during this time to Istanbul? What can we expect? Thank you!

[Miata6]

We were able to schedule all the sites we wanted to see over two days. The biggest problem was that the Turks were renewing/reviewing their heritage and everything was VERY crowded, including the Bosphorus cruise and especially Topkapi.

[rosesplus]

You'll love Istanbul during Ramadan. The only major inconvenience is you will need to book for dinner unless you are happy with tourist places. Ramadan has a real holiday atmosphere at night, everybody is out dining, talking and walking.

[Buddyboysie]

We appreciate the feedback - As we get closer to our trip, we'll be checking back for restaurant recommendations so we can start making reservations!

[martyap]

We were in Istanbul for 5 days this past October. We stayed in Sultanahmet at the end of Ramadan and during the beginning of the Seker Bayrami holiday. Ramadan posed no problem and it was enjoyable to visit the food stalls set up near the Blue Mosque during the evening. It was like a carnival atmosphere. Restaurants, especially those that locals frequent (like Hamdi, Develi), are hard to get into at sunset. You can easily get later reservations or have your hotel make early reservations way in advance. Restaurants that tourists frequent posed no problem. Weather was fantastic and you will love Istanbul. We were glad we added the extra days pre-cruise. Keep in mind that many businesses do close during Seker Bayrami which follows Ramadan for three days.

 

Marty

[Kiera99]

I was in Isthanbul during the Ramadan Holiday and it did not affect our touring. Our guide was upset that they erected all the stuff around town. However, we only noticed long lines at certain restaurants after sunset. The weather was great for the whole two weeks I spent touring Turkey, last October. Isthanbul was fine until the cruise ships pulled in, then everthing got crowded.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I've not been there during Ramadan, but one tiny proviso about Topkapi, which may be worse if there's lots of devotees visiting--there are relics there of Mohammed, on display. We felt a certain amount of resentment flowing around the room where they were displayed, directed at the (non-muslim) tourists. This is anecdotal, and perhaps uncommon, but be prepared to be quiet and properly respectful, I guess you could say. And this is just one small area of the palace.

[martyap]

Merhaba....

 

We found no resentment at all. The Turkish people were wonderful. Even took several pictures of some women in the Blue Mosque and they were happy to oblige. Topkapi did have the very holy sandals of the prophet Mohammed and it was very crowded with devout followers....nothing more.

They also have an ongoing reading of the Koran at this display so it is very religious. There are many other displays including a bowl that was used by Abraham.......Again...we thoroughly enjoyed Turkey....the people, food, culture, shopping.....can't wait to return.

 

If you need more convincing, go to the Istanbul forum page on http://www.tripadvisor.com. Check out posts by a local expert, LemonLady, who resides in NYC but frequently works in Turkey.

 

We used a guide, Lale Kosagan, for two days BUT we also walked all over, took public buses, ferries, trams and the famous tunnel ride up to Istiklal Cadessi.....never felt unsafe! The time near sunset during Ramadan is one slight concern......businesses and locals are frantic to end their daily duties and hurry off to their evening meal after fasting all day. I would stay away from the shopping areas at that time of day....the shops close quickly and the streets become rather deserted.

 

Marty

[Buddyboysie]

We are now looking forward to our trip more than ever! The information is very helpful - thanks again!