Ramadan Calendar Turkey 2026: Key Dates, Etiquette & Travel Guide

Ramadan in Turkey is far more than just a religious calendar entry; it is a cultural operating system update that shifts the rhythm of public life. For 2026, the holy month moves further into late winter and early spring. For those fasting, this means shorter days and milder temperatures. For travelers, however, it creates a unique dynamic in cities like Istanbul and Ankara.

This guide gives you more than just the official dates confirmed by the Turkish Religious Authority (Diyanet); it provides the practical “street smarts” you need to navigate this holy period. Forget the static, often inaccurate PDF tableshere is what actually matters on the ground.

When Does Ramadan 2026 Start in Turkey?

The Islamic lunar calendar is roughly 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar, which is why Ramadan cycles “backwards” through the seasons every year. In 2026, it lands squarely in February and March.

• Start of Ramadan (1st Fasting Day): Thursday, February 19, 2026
• Kadir Gecesi (Night of Power): Monday, March 16, 2026
• Last Day of Fasting (Arife): Thursday, March 19, 2026

Crucial Note: Unlike some countries that rely on spontaneous moon sightings the night before, Turkey determines the start date in advance using astronomical calculations by the Diyanet. This means you can plan your trip reliability around these specific dates.

The Ramadan Feast (Ramazan Bayramı) 2026

The conclusion of the fasting month is celebrated with the three day Sugar Feast (Şeker Bayramı or Ramazan Bayramı). This is an official national holiday period in Turkey. Banks, government offices, and many corporations will be closed.

• Arife (Eve/Half Day): Thursday, March 19, 2026 (Work often stops after 1:00 PM)
• Day 1: Friday, March 20, 2026
• Day 2: Saturday, March 21, 2026
• Day 3: Sunday, March 22, 2026

Since the 2026 feast flows directly into the weekend, expect extremely heavy traffic as locals take advantage of the time off for short vacations. If you plan to travel between cities during this window, book your transport weeks in advance. For those staying in the city, it’s the perfect time to explore the spiritual depth of the culture, perhaps by reading up on Yunus Emre poetry to better understand the mystical atmosphere that permeates this month.

Why We Don’t Use Static Prayer Timetables Anymore

In the past, it was common to print out long lists of prayer times for every city. However, these are often prone to errors and become outdated quickly. The times for Imsak (start of fasting before sunrise) and Iftar (breaking the fast at sunset) vary by minutes depending on your exact geographical location.

The Pro Tip: For precise, minute by-minute accuracy, rely on the official Diyanet mobile apps or listen for the live “Ezan” (call to prayer) from the local mosques. In cities like Istanbul, traditional cannons are still fired to unmistakably mark the moment of Iftar. To ensure your apps work smoothly while you’re out and about, make sure you have a reliable data connectioncheck our guide on Vodafone Turkey prepaid SIMs to stay connected.

Travel Tips: Experiencing Ramadan Like a Local

1. The Iftar Rush Hour

Between 18:00 and 19:30 (depending on the February/March sunset), the streets enter a state of emergency. Taxis are nearly impossible to find because drivers are heading off to break their fast. Restaurants are often fully booked. If you want to enjoy Turkish cuisine during this time, you absolutely must reserve a table for the special “Iftar Menu.” If you want to avoid the chaos entirely, consider scheduling a relaxing day at a Turkish Hammam in the late afternoon, emerging refreshed just as the city settles down for dinner.

2. The Night Drummer

Don’t be alarmed if you are woken up at 03:00 AM by loud drumming in the street. The “Ramazan Davulcusu” roam the neighborhoods to wake the faithful for the Sahur meal before dawn. This is a centuries old tradition, not a noise disturbance to complain aboutit is a living piece of cultural heritage.

3. Cultural Etiquette

In tourist heavy areas of Istanbul or coastal regions like Antalya, restaurants remain open as usual during the day. However, in more conservative neighborhoods or cities like Konya, it is a sign of respect not to eat, drink, or smoke demonstratively on the street. Use this opportunity to explore the local bazaars, which often remain lively late into the night.

Ramadan 2026 offers a brilliant opportunity to experience Turkey without the oppressive heat of summer. The spiritual atmosphere, especially within the historic mosques, is truly unique during this time of year.