10-03-2023 -
Tips & Guides
Ramadan in Cappadocia: A Holy Month in Dreamland
Visiting Cappadocia should be on everyone’s bucket list who loves history and adventure at the same time. One of the most important times of the year for Muslims is the time of Ramadan. A special time of celebration, prayer, and fasting. During Ramadan, each year Muslims around the world observe fasting during daylight hours.
The month of Ramadan corresponds to the ninth month of the Muslim Calendar, which has based on Sumerian traditions. If you are planning to visit Cappadocia during Ramadan, no worries! As in every season, also during Ramadan, museums are open every day all year round, and there are tours and balloon flights every day too. If you are wondering if Cappadocia is open during Ramadan, you are in the right place. During Ramadan, restaurants are open as well, and they serve you their traditional Ramadan meals for you to enjoy!
Here you can find a list of 25+ FREE attractions included in Cappadocia Travel Pass® and they all are open during Ramadan as in every other season of the year.
Ramadan in Cappadocia
Turkey is probably one of the countries with a Muslim presence where you will less notice this religious time. Although more than 90% of Turkish are declared Muslims, the state of Turkey has been a secular state with Islamic influences since 1924, so the religious restrictions are not mandatory for those living or visiting the country for sure. As always, also during Ramadan, Cappadocia is breathtaking!
Many restaurants understand that you do not have the same habits, and even while they are fasting will be happy to serve you food in daylight time. Even some restaurants offer a special menu for dinner since Muslims break their daily fasting in the evenings. This dinner is called ‘iftar’ and the time of iftar changes due to the sunset time.
This month is traditionally a time when hospitality and generosity are deepened, and if you visit the country during this time of the year you will probably receive many invitations for tea or dinner at locals' houses or shops!
At the end of the holy Ramadan month in Turkey, is celebrated the Ramadan holiday which you will find very interesting, for three days. It is also known as Candy Holiday. The day before the holiday is called Arife, and it begins at sunset, so many offices close after lunch and the three-day holiday that follows, to prepare this celebration. Many of the most important mosques are specially lit for the occasion and you can enjoy the cities with unique charm. If you travel during Ramadan in Turkey, the country becomes very colorful and they make special lighting during the time of Ramadan.
About Cappadocia
The Cappadocia region is surrounded by three volcanoes, Mt. Erciyes, Mt. Hasan, and Mt. Gullu. They have not erupted in millennia. But, what these three volcanoes did about 60 million years ago was cover this region in lava and ash for centuries.
Ramadan in Cappadocia is surely a breathtaking experience for those who love to discover new cultures and their traditions. In Ramadan, while you can enjoy traditional meals, you can also have hot-air balloon tours any time of the day. During Ramadan in Turkey, the people present their most delicious meals at dinner, they set the table so well that even looking at it makes you really hungry. You can enjoy the religious and historical air at Cappadocia during Ramadan. The locals will present you with their best attitude and you can learn the culture and traditions from them as well. Make sure you fully experience Ramadan in Cappadocia!
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony is a magical must-see show always but especially during Ramadan, it has a deeper meaning. The Sema ceremony, also known as the Whirling Dervishes ceremony is a ceremonial activity that the followers of Sufism practice widely. It symbolizes the man’s journey towards reaching the higher creator and then returning as a man who has grown to achieve perfection. This allows him to be of service to all creatures and accept everything and every one no matter what their religion, race, age, gender, or social status is.
The dervishes wear white apparel under a black coat and a hat that symbolizes the tombstone. It is because the Dervish is expected to forget his ego and attain spiritual maturity. With each step of the Sema ceremony, the Dervish becomes one step closer to the creator and with his movements like arms, hands, and feet, one can easily observe this. He moves clockwise rotating around the center. Each minute of this ceremony is sure to bring you calm and serenity.
During Ramadan, this spiritual ceremony is even more unforgettable. To not miss this amazing experience don’t forget to make a reservation beforehand. Whirling Dervishes Ceremony is FREE with Cappadocia Travel Pass® along with 25+ other great attractions such as a hot-air balloon ride.
FAQ
Is Cappadocia open during Ramadan?
No worries if you intend to travel to Cappadocia during Ramadan! The same as in any other season, museums are open every day throughout Ramadan, and daily trips and hot air balloon rides are also available. You've come to the correct place if you've been wondering if Cappadocia is open during Ramadan.
Is it OK to visit Turkey during Ramadan?
The most liberal Islamic nation in the world is Turkey. Turkey doesn't have any rules requiring strict Ramadan observance, and many people opt not to participate in the holiday at all. In some places, you could visit and not even be aware that Ramadan was taking place, especially in the tourist areas.
Is Cappadocia Islamic?
One of the most significant figures in the Islamic world, Haci Bektaş-i Veli, has his home in the Cappadocia region, which has long been the residence of Christian clerics. It is not fair to say that the region is Islamic today, it is a modern region.
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