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Istanbul during Ramadan
eliarose
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My father and I are planning a short trip to Istanbul from August 3-10 (it’s the only time we can both take off). He is a very well-seasoned traveler in Europe and the Middle East, and I am a recent college grad with a keen interest in Muslim culture and Turkish society, so when I first discovered that our trip would overlap with Ramadan, it didn’t bother me at all. Now, however, I am concerned that we won’t be able to go into certain mosques or see certain attractions due to the holiday. Due to its secularism, I’ve been told by friends who have lived there that not all places shut down during the day, but I am still unsure. I’ve also read that Ramadan in Istanbul is a wonderful, lively time at night, and I’m intrigued by that. I just don’t want to miss out on anything by going during this time. I’m getting a lot of mixed feedback from various friends. Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated!!

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I was in Istanbul during Ramadan about two years ago and had a great time. No problems getting into any mosques or attractions at all.

I am leaving from New York, NY and traveling for 64 days
Reykjavik, London, Lille, Berlin, Kraków, Lviv, Istanbul, Selçuk, Pamukkale, Kızkalesi, Göreme, Kars, Bat'umi, Akhalts'ikhe, Tbilisi, Telavi, Istanbul

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Ryfela
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Would you still be able to eat during the day? Or will all restaurants and food places be closed? I would be good with buying from a supermarket if I were in the same situation as eliarose, so I’m really just curious if that would be the case.

I am leaving from Toronto with $12000 for 105 days
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mim
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You should have no problem finding food. Almost all restaurants will be open during the day.

I am leaving from New York, NY and traveling for 64 days
Reykjavik, London, Lille, Berlin, Kraków, Lviv, Istanbul, Selçuk, Pamukkale, Kızkalesi, Göreme, Kars, Bat'umi, Akhalts'ikhe, Tbilisi, Telavi, Istanbul

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luv_the_beach
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Plus, Eliarose, I’m sure that people who fast during Ramadan still do their grocery shopping during the day to prepare for their night-time meals, so you also have the option of grocery stores and supermarkets…which are a backpacker’s friend, because eating out every meal gets expensive.

I did a little research, and if this is in fact the case in Bahrain and the UAE, then it will definitely be the case in Turkey which isn’t as conservative (or at least Istanbul and the country’s western/southwestern coasts are regions that are more liberal).


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