Ramadan 2027 in Türkiye is expected to run from Monday, 8 February to Monday, 8 March 2027, followed by the three-day Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) public holiday. The final dates will be confirmed by Türkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) based on the moon sighting.
Türkiye is one of the most welcoming destinations for travellers during the holy month. Mosques glow with mahya lights, iftar tables fill every square, and cities like Istanbul come alive after sunset.
Here’s everything you need to know before booking flights to Istanbul and hotels in Istanbul for Ramadan 2027.
Ramadan 2027 Dates in Türkiye
Ramadan follows the lunar Hijri calendar, so dates shift roughly 11 days earlier each year. For 2027, the holy month falls in late winter, which means cooler weather across most of Türkiye and shorter fasting days than summer Ramadans.
| Event | Date (Expected) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First day of Ramadan | Mon, 8 Feb 2027 | First sehri and fast |
| Last day of Ramadan | Mon, 8 Mar 2027 | Final iftar |
| Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) | Tue 9 – Thu 11 Mar 2027 | Three-day public holiday |
| Istanbul fasting length | Around 11 to 12.5 hours | Shorter at start, longer at end |
Sehri and Iftar Times in Istanbul
Iftar in Istanbul starts around 5:45 PM in early February and stretches closer to 6:10 PM by early March as sunset moves later. Sehri (the pre-dawn meal) is around 6:20 AM at the start of Ramadan and shifts closer to 5:45 AM by the end.
For accurate, daily, location-specific timings, check the Diyanet prayer times portal once Ramadan 2027 is confirmed.
| Week of Ramadan | Sehri (Imsak) | Iftar |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (early Feb) | ~ 6:25 AM | ~ 5:45 PM |
| Week 2 | ~ 6:15 AM | ~ 5:55 PM |
| Week 3 | ~ 6:05 AM | ~ 6:00 PM |
| Week 4 (early Mar) | ~ 5:50 AM | ~ 6:10 PM |
These timings are estimates based on 2026 data and will shift slightly in 2027. Always confirm with Diyanet before the first fast.
Ramadan Traditions Unique to Türkiye
Türkiye’s Ramadan traditions blend centuries of Ottoman heritage with everyday life. These are the cultural highlights travellers should not miss.
Mahya Lights on the Minarets
The mahya is Istanbul’s signature Ramadan sight, illuminated messages strung between mosque minarets. The tradition dates back to the 1600s and still lights up the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye, and Eminönü’s New Mosque every night of Ramadan.
Pre-Dawn Drummers (Davulcu)
In older neighbourhoods of Istanbul, Bursa, and Konya, davulcu walk the streets between 3 and 4 AM banging drums to wake residents for sahur. It’s a living Ottoman tradition worth experiencing at least once.
Free Iftar Tents in City Squares
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality sets up free public iftar tents across the city, with the biggest in Sultanahmet Square, Yenikapı, and Eyüpsultan. Everyone is welcome, and no booking is needed. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before iftar to get a seat.
Cultural Programmes at Sultanahmet
Every evening during Ramadan, Sultanahmet, Üsküdar, and Eyüpsultan host Sufi music performances, whirling dervish shows, shadow puppet theatre, and poetry readings organised by the municipality. These are free and open to visitors.
What to Eat During Ramadan in Türkiye
Ramadan brings its own menu to Turkish tables. A few things to try and look out for.
- Ramazan pidesi: Fluffy, sesame-topped flatbread baked only during Ramadan. Queues form outside bakeries in the hour before iftar.
- Güllaç: A delicate dessert of rose-scented milk, thin pastry layers, and crushed walnuts. Served almost exclusively during Ramadan.
- Sahur buffets: Many hotels and traditional restaurants open pre-dawn with full spreads for the sahur meal.
- Iftar spreads: The fast breaks with dates and water, then moves to soup, olives, cheese, and a full main course. Most sit-down restaurants offer a set iftar menu.
Best Things to Do During Ramadan
Ramadan opens up experiences you won’t find any other time of year.
Rooftop Iftar with a Bosphorus View
Book a rooftop iftar in Sultanahmet or Galata for views of the Bosphorus and historic skyline at sunset. These seats sell out quickly, so reserve at least a week in advance.
Hot Air Balloon Rides in Cappadocia
Balloons fly as normal during Ramadan, weather permitting. Take-off is at sunrise (roughly 6:30 to 7:30 AM in February and early March), so flights actually launch before the fast begins. Many operators offer sahur service before the ride.
Late-Night Shopping at the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar extend hours during Ramadan, with some stalls open until 10 PM. Expect special stands selling dates, dried fruit, and traditional sweets.
Visit Mevlana’s Tomb in Konya
Konya’s Mevlana Museum and its surrounding Sufi tekkes feel especially charged during Ramadan. Evening whirling dervish ceremonies draw pilgrims from across the Muslim world.
Where to Visit During Ramadan 2027
The Ramadan experience varies a lot by city. Use this comparison to pick your base.
| City | Ramadan Atmosphere | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | Most festive; mahya lights, iftar tents, nightly events | Culture, history, full Ramadan experience |
| Cappadocia | Calm villages, snowy valleys possible | Balloon rides, couples, nature |
| Antalya | Relaxed, resort-style, warmer weather | Beach breaks, families |
| Konya | Deeply spiritual; Mevlana’s tomb, Sufi rituals peak | Rumi heritage, whirling dervish evenings |
| Bodrum | Quiet off-season, mild coastal weather | Relaxed stays, marina walks |
Ramadan Etiquette for Visitors
Türkiye is welcoming, but small gestures of respect go a long way with locals.
- Eat indoors or discreetly during fasting hours, especially in conservative neighbourhoods
- Dress modestly around mosques, especially for Ramadan events and Friday prayers
- Don’t interrupt iftar by asking for service right at sunset; wait a few minutes
- Greet with “Hayırlı Ramazanlar” (Blessed Ramadan) for a warm local response
Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) 2027
Ramazan Bayramı, also called Şeker Bayramı (Sugar Festival), is a three-day public holiday starting Tuesday, 9 March 2027. Banks, government offices, and many businesses close.
Families visit elders, children receive small gifts and sweets, and homes fill with baklava, lokum, and chocolates. Mosques hold special Bayramı prayers at sunrise on day one.
Travel During Bayramı
- Highway tolls: Motorways and bridges are often toll-free, but traffic out of Istanbul is heavy from day one
- Domestic flights: Routes to Antalya, Bodrum, and Dalaman sell out first; prices spike 2 to 3 weeks before the holiday
- Intercity buses: Otogar departures get booked solid; reserve online via operator websites
- City transport: Istanbul’s metro, ferries, and buses run on reduced Sunday schedules on day one of Bayramı
Booking Tips for Ramadan 2027
A few practical pointers to get the most out of your trip.
- Fly in before Bayramı for lower fares and quieter attractions; fly out after for a calmer airport experience
- Stay in Sultanahmet or Eyüpsultan in Istanbul to be close to the Ramadan buzz
- Book iftar restaurants ahead, especially rooftop venues and heritage restaurants
- Pack warm layers; February in Istanbul and Cappadocia is cold and often wet
Compare options on Wego for flights to Istanbul, Istanbul hotels, Antalya hotels, and Cappadocia hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start in Türkiye?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to start on Monday, 8 February 2027 and end on Monday, 8 March 2027. Final dates will be confirmed by Türkiye’s Diyanet based on the moon sighting.
Are restaurants open during the day in Istanbul during Ramadan?
Most restaurants in Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, Bodrum, and other tourist hubs stay open all day. Some smaller family-run spots in conservative or rural areas may close during fasting hours.
Do hot air balloons fly in Cappadocia during Ramadan?
Yes. Balloons operate on their regular sunrise schedule during Ramadan, weather permitting. Flights take off before the fast begins, and many operators offer sahur service pre-flight.
Can visitors join the free iftar tents?
Yes. Public iftar tents organised by municipalities, including the big ones in Sultanahmet and Yenikapı, are open to everyone. No reservation needed. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to get a seat.
What is Ramazan Bayramı?
Ramazan Bayramı is Türkiye’s name for Eid al-Fitr, the three-day public holiday that follows Ramadan. It’s also called Şeker Bayramı (Sugar Festival) for the sweets traditionally shared during the holiday.
Sources
- Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), Türkiye
- Diyanet Prayer Times Portal
- Daily Sabah — Diyanet Ramadan Dates
- Ramazan Bayramı 2027 Public Holidays
- Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
- Daily Sabah — Mahya Tradition
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
