Sacred Months in Türkiye: A Rare Twice-in-a-Year Event

Türkiye Welcomes Islam’s Sacred Three Months for the Second Time in 2025

Türkiye has marked the beginning of Islam’s sacred three months — Recep, Şaban and Ramazan — for the second time in 2025, a rare occurrence that happens only once every 32 to 33 years due to the shorter Islamic lunar calendar. 🕌

The spiritually significant period began on Dec. 21, corresponding to the first day of Recep 1447 in the Hijri calendar. Earlier this month, on Dec. 1, 2025, Muslims had already observed the start of Rajab 1446, making this year exceptional.

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Key Fact: The sacred months are being experienced twice within the same Gregorian year.

Observed nationwide under the guidance of the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), the three months hold a central place in Türkiye’s religious and social life. The period is traditionally seen as a structured time for spiritual reflection, moral reassessment and strengthening both individual faith and communal bonds.

Religious authorities note that this rare timing offers believers an additional opportunity for spiritual renewal within a single year. Although rooted in the technical difference between lunar and solar calendars, the phenomenon has been widely welcomed as a blessing.

A Call for Spiritual Reflection in Modern Times

In a written message marking the occasion, Diyanet President Safi Arpaguş emphasized the deeper meaning of the sacred months in the context of modern life.

“At a time when people grow weary under the weight of worldly concerns and the rapid pace of life, the three months provide an opportunity to pause, reflect and sincerely turn toward our Lord, seeking forgiveness for our shortcomings.”

He highlighted the progressive spiritual journey of the three months:

• Recep: Represents the first stage of spiritual awakening and preparation.
• Şaban: A period of deepening awareness and readiness.
• Ramazan: The culmination through fasting, self-discipline, and renewed engagement with the Quran.

Holy Nights and Communal Observance

The sacred months are punctuated by several holy nights (Kandil) that shape religious practice:

• Recep: Laylat al-Raghaib and Laylat al-Miraj.
• Şaban: Berat Kandili.
• Ramazan: Laylat al-Qadr, described in the Quran as “better than a thousand months,” followed by Ramazan Bayram (Eid al-Fitr).

Spiritual Peak: Laylat al-Qadr is the pinnacle of the period, concluding with a celebration centered on gratitude and social unity. 🤲

The beginning of the sacred period was marked by communal worship across Türkiye. In Istanbul, worshippers gathered before dawn at Eyüp Sultan Mosque, where morning prayers were led under the coordination of the Eyüpsultan Mufti’s Office and the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation, with support from civil society organizations.

Families and children attended the prayers, followed by collective supplications and the distribution of refreshments, reflecting the values of sharing, solidarity and community that define the sacred three months.