Turkey: Ramadan to begin May 15-16

Event

On May 15-16, Muslims will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place between June 14-16. Though practices can vary by country, many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown (particularly over weekends) is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather to celebrate the holy month with family. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and impatience.

Additionally, expect tight security measures in major urban areas due to a heightened terror threat. Finally, local authorities typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion. Approximately 99.8 percent of Turkey’s population is Muslim.

This period marks a significant increase in the regional terror threat in many Muslim-majority countries. Turkey has been a target of multiple attacks perpetrated by the Islamic State (IS) - including a January 2017 IS attack on a nightclub in Istanbul that left 39 dead - which has prompted Turkish police to multiply its counter-terrorism raids. Moreover, a national state of emergency has been in place since July 2016 following a failed coup d'état launched by members of the armed forces.

Advice

It is advised not to eat, drink, or smoke in public throughout this period to avoid drawing undue attention to yourself. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

Due to the risk of terrorism throughout the country, individuals present in Turkey are advised to maintain a high degree of vigilance, to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities, and to be particularly cautious when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels, and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).