What Foreigners Should Not Do During Ramadan in Turkey

Search queries like «what foreigners should not do during Ramadan», «Ramadan in Turkey rules for tourists», «restrictions during Ramadan Turkey» reach the top of search engines every year. The reason is simple: Ramadan directly affects the country’s daily life, the rhythm of cities, the work of institutions, and social norms.

Foreigners are not required to observe the fast, but ignorance of unwritten rules can lead to conflicts, awkward situations, and a spoiled travel experience.

This article explains in detail and without exaggeration what foreigners really should not and are not recommended to do during Ramadan in Turkey, and what is a myth.

Important to know from the very beginning

In Turkey:

• Ramadan is not a restrictive regime for foreigners
• Turkey remains a secular state
• Tourists, expats, and non-residents are not required to fast

However, society follows cultural and behavioral norms, the violation of which is perceived as disrespect.

❌ Demonstratively eating and drinking in public during the daytime

This is the main unwritten rule of Ramadan.

During daylight hours it is not recommended to:

• eat on the street
• drink water, coffee, and other beverages in public view
• chew gum in public places

Why this matters: for fasting people, Ramadan is a period of self-restraint. Demonstrative eating and drinking are perceived as disrespectful, especially in residential areas.

Where this is especially undesirable:

• non-touristic districts
• areas near mosques

In hotels, tourist zones, and restaurants, there are no problems during the day.

❌ Smoking in public places before sunset

Smoking during Ramadan is perceived the same way as food and drinks.

It is not recommended to:

• smoke in crowded places
• smoke in non-touristic areas
• smoke near mosques

After sunset, the restriction is completely lifted, and smoking becomes common.

❌ Throwing noisy parties and playing loud music in residential areas

Ramadan is a month of calm, family, and evening prayers.

During the fasting period, the following are especially inappropriate:

• loud music on balconies
• noisy apartment parties
• shouting and loud behavior at night

This is not related to the law, but it may cause:

• complaints from neighbors
• conflicts
• police calls for domestic reasons

❌ Ignoring changes in working hours

During Ramadan and especially on Bayram days:

• banks may close earlier
• government institutions operate on reduced schedules
• notaries and land registry offices do not work on holidays
• offices and services may close earlier than usual

A typical mistake foreigners make is planning document submissions, transactions, and visits to migration offices on public holidays.

This is not a fine, but a loss of time and disrupted plans.

❌ Publicly criticizing fasting and religious traditions

Even jokingly, it is not advisable to:

• mock fasting
• discuss «why it’s necessary»
• compare religions in a negative way
• argue about religion with strangers

Turkey is a tolerant country, but respect for faith is considered a basic norm of communication.

❌ Wearing overly revealing clothing outside resort areas

During Ramadan, it is especially important to maintain moderation in clothing.

Not recommended:

• very short shorts
• revealing tops
• swimwear in the city
• provocative appearance in public places

There are no restrictions in hotels, on beaches, and in resorts. In the city, it’s better to choose a neutral style.

❌ Showing impatience and aggression

During fasting, many people do not eat or drink, get tired faster, and become more emotionally sensitive. Aggression and pressure may be perceived more sharply than usual.

❌ Planning important matters on Bayram without time buffer

During the Ramadan Bayram and Kurban Bayram holidays:

• the country practically comes to a standstill
• transport is overloaded
• ticket prices rise quickly
• many services are unavailable

Foreigners often underestimate the scale of the holidays and face logistical difficulties.

Common myths about Ramadan in Turkey

Myth: foreigners are forbidden to eat during the day
Truth: there is no ban, there is a rule of respect

Myth: restaurants are closed
Truth: restaurants operate, especially in tourist areas

Myth: tourists are not allowed to travel
Truth: Turkey is fully open

What foreigners can and should do during Ramadan

• relax and travel calmly
• eat and drink in hotels and restaurants
• participate in iftars by invitation
• walk in the evenings and enjoy the atmosphere
• learn about culture and traditions

After sunset, cities become especially beautiful and lively.

Iftar is the evening meal that begins immediately after sunset. In Turkey, iftar has special significance and often turns into a warm family or community evening. It is one of the most atmospheric moments of the fasting month.

Main rule of Ramadan for foreigners

During Ramadan in Turkey, almost nothing is prohibited by law. But respect for traditions is valued more than formal rules.

If you behave politely, calmly, and without demonstrative disregard, Ramadan will be comfortable, safe, and interesting for you.

Ramadan 2026 in Turkey: dates and holidays

Many people planning a trip to Turkey during Ramadan notice one pattern: during the fasting period, flights and vacations are noticeably cheaper, while immediately after the holidays prices rise sharply. This applies to air tickets, hotels, rentals, and even domestic flights. The reason is not religion, but changes in domestic demand, tourist load, and the public holiday calendar.

This mechanism is explained in detail in a separate article:
👉 Why it’s cheaper to vacation in Turkey during Ramadan, and why prices rise after Bayram

Conclusion

Ramadan in Turkey is not a restriction, but a special cultural period that is important to understand. Knowing what foreigners should not do during Ramadan helps avoid mistakes, maintain respect, and experience the real Turkey without conflicts or misunderstandings.

FAQ

Can foreigners eat during the day during Ramadan?
Yes, but it is not recommended to do so demonstratively in public places.

Is alcohol prohibited during Ramadan?
No, but drinking during the day in public places is considered inappropriate.

Are there fines for tourists?
There are no fines, only possible social conflicts.