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Eid al-Fitr, the joyous celebration marking the end of Ramadan, is a special time filled with rich traditions in Turkey. This guide will help you experience the festivities to the fullest, whether you’re participating for the first time or looking to refresh your knowledge.
Important Dates for Eid al-Fitr 2024 in Turkey:
- Ramadan End Date: April 9th
- First Day of Eid al-Fitr: April 10th
- Last Day of Eid al-Fitr Holiday: April 14th
Getting Ready for Eid al-Fitr
The excitement builds during the final week of Ramadan as preparations for Eid al-Fitr begin. Here’s what you can expect:
- New Clothes (“Bayramlık”): It’s customary to wear new clothes on Eid, especially for children. Families often shop for special outfits to mark the occasion.
- Preparing Treats: Homes are stocked with sweets and chocolates to offer guests during visits.
- Cooking Festive Dishes: Delicious meals are prepared, with “Sarma” being a popular favorite.
Eid al-Fitr Traditions in Turkey
Collecting Candy
The most fun part of Eid al-Fitr for children is the tradition of collecting candy in Turkey. On the festive day, children visit their elders and collect candy. Therefore, Eid al-Fitr is also referred to as “Sugar Day”.
Wearing the Clothes Bought for Eid Al-Fitr in Turkey
The first thing that comes to mind when the rituals of Eid Al-Fitr in Turkey are called is to wake up early, or rather to wake up.
“Today the feast, get up early, children.”
Baris Manco
This song by Baris Manco describes a ritual on its head. Children wake up early on Eid morning. He wore clean and brand new clothes. It is very luxurious to buy clothes in old times, and children are bought new clothes on Eid Al-Fitr in Turkey. That’s why festive clothes are so valuable. Even the children of that time fall asleep in the evening of the arife, wrapping them in festive clothes. This ritual is actually an indicator of respect for the month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr.
Visiting Relatives
Among the traditions of the Eid al-Fitr are indispensable visits to relatives. Grandparents, grandparents and grandparents, aunts, uncles and all other elders are visited on Eid al-Fitr. Thus, even relatives who do not see each other for a long time have the opportunity to come together.
Making Special Desserts for the Eid al-Fitr
Hosts treat their guests to delectable desserts, especially baklava and sherbets. In some villages, elaborate feasts are prepared for each visitor. Children go door-to-door collecting candy, which is why Eid is also called “Şeker Bayramı” or “Sugar Feast”.
Elders give children special handkerchiefs filled with treats or money, a cherished tradition that continues in some regions. Families also make sure to visit the graves of departed loved ones.
The holiday culminates in a grand Eid dinner where the most delicious dishes like tirit, Dolma, Güllâç, and Baklava are served as families gather around the table.
Eid al-Fitr Prayers
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most beautiful days of unity and cohabitation. One of the religious and traditional things that make the Eid al-Fitr meaningful is the Eid al-Fitr prayer. The Eid al-Fitr begins with morning prayer and Eid al-Fitr prayer. The Eid al-Fitr in the mosque after the Eid al-Fitr prayer made by everyone together is also one of the most beautiful symbols of the union.
If you are wondering what time the Eid al-Fitr prayer is, here are the Eid prayer times for some of provinces in Turkey:
Eid Prayer Times in Turkey
- Ankara Eid prayer time: 6.49
- Istanbul Eid prayer time: 07.05
- Izmir Eid prayer time: 07.13
- Antalya Eid prayer time: 06.55
- Bursa Eid prayer time: 07.04
- Adana Eid prayer time: 06.41
- Konya Eid prayer time: 06.52
- Edirne Eid prayer time: 07.13
- Balıkesir Eid prayer time: 07.14
- Eskişehir Eid prayer time: 06.59
- Gaziantep Eid prayer time: 06.31
- Trabzon Eid prayer time: 06.22
- Samsun Eid prayer time: 06.35
- Rize Eid prayer time: 06.16
- Kayseri Eid prayer time: 06.36
- Erzurum Eid prayer time: 06.15
- Afyonkarahisar Eid prayer time: 06.59
- Kahramanmaraş Eid prayer time: 06.34
- Diyarbakir Eid prayer time: 06.19
- Hatay Eid prayer time: 06.38
- Denizli Eid prayer time: 07.05
- Van Eid prayer time: 06.10
- Zonguldak Eid prayer time: 06.54
Eid al-Fitr Breakfast
Preparing beautiful dishes is also in the first place among festive traditions. Special food is prepared for the festive morning, the breakfast table is richer and attentive than ever. Then the most beautiful food is eaten by the family after the men return from the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
Making a Visit to the Cemetery
Visiting our elders on Eid al-Fitr is one of the most beautiful of traditions. It is also necessary not to forget to visit our elders who go from this world. Therefore, one of the most crowded places on Eid al-Fitr is cemeteries. Visiting our relatives who are in the cemetery is one of the festive traditions.
Eid al-Fitr Dinner
Another among the traditions of Eid al-Fitr is the festive dishes that keep families together. On Eid al-Fitr, the most beautiful dishes such as tirit, dolma, and desserts such as gullac, baklava are carefully prepared which are also one of the ramadan food traditions. Elds’ hands kiss, and families sit at the table all together.
Eid al fitr Charity
The most beautiful side of fitr eid is that they provide unity and coherence. One of the most beautiful and most meaningful traditions of Ramadan is to help people in difficult situations with fitre and zakat. Also you can check zakat al fitr meaning from the link.
Giving Handkerchief to Children
- Collecting Candy (“Şeker Bayramı”): Children have the most fun going door-to-door collecting candy, making Eid al-Fitr also known as the “Sugar Feast.”
- Handkerchiefs with Treats or Money: In some regions, elders gift children special handkerchiefs filled with treats or money, adding to the excitement.
- Giving Bayram Harci (Allowance): Children traditionally kiss the hands of their elders as a sign of respect and receive Eidi (money) in return.
Giving Money to Children
One of the most common in Eid al-Fitr traditions is to pay children. Children visit elders on Eid al-Fitr in Turkey and kiss their hands. The elders also give them allowances and pleases the children. Among the most common are the ones.
Tiping to the Drummers
During the month of Ramadan, drummers awaken those who are fasting for the sahur. Giving tips to drummers is one of the most important parts of Eid al-Fitr. So the drummers will be thanked.
