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As Ramadan comes to summer each year (this year's Ramadan runs from September 2 to October 1) you might wonder if traveling to a Muslim country is a good idea or not. Many people wonder, "Is it safe?", "How is Ramadan affect my travel plans to Turkey?" and "Will I to wait all day so fast? "Read, you may be surprised!

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a month long Islamic holiday, which is to refrain from leaving Muslims in the world that nothing pass their lips from sun to sun. This means no eating, drinking or smoking, even during daylight hours. Then in a half hour before sunset, the restaurants are filled, blankets are spread in parks and laden with food. Having regard to the call prayer or a cannon fire, Muslims break their fast with a meal called iftar.

Ramadan in Turkey

Fortunately, compared with Arab countries, Turkey is far less rigid in their rules during Ramadan (and the rest of the year for that matter!) Unlike of some Arab countries will not be penalized or imprisoned (gulp!) for drinking water in a public place.

Tourists in Istanbul and cities along the west coast of Kusadasi, Bodrum and Marmaris can not even observe Ramadan, you will see many people (tourists and local), eating and drinking during the day. Muslims who choose not to fast not eat in public, but most refrain from alcohol during the month.

Visitors who travel around the most conservative central Anatolia, such as Cappadocia and Konya, you will find restaurant shorter, people with family meals and large fast at sunset. Alcohol can not available, (especially in Konya) during the month.

Eating, drinking, smoking and

As tourists are not expected to fast. In some of the most conservative areas hotel kitchens serve meals during the day, but you may need to enjoy their meals inside, away from public general.

Smoking next to a fasting person would be frowned upon.

If you have fasted all day or not, is almost certain to be invited to Iftar, food from the sun that breaks the fast days. The Turks love to share this meal to throw plates of food, some of which is made only during Ramadan. Joining a Iftar is a familiar experience, just make sure not to dig up time!

Visitor Mosques

This is a time very busy in and around mosques. The whole country turns his eyes toward the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet and celebrations held there, (a TV channel broadcasts live from Hippodrome for the entire month.) Eyup Sultan Mosque in Istanbul is busy with activity throughout the month. Avoid Friday night in every mosque - am and evening are best.

The beat of a different drummer

In the early hours in the morning you can hear the drums beating and the street. This is to awaken the faithful for one last meal before sunrise. Some people hate the drums and feels an alarm clock is sufficient. Others will love the battery and maintained as a symbol of the tradition of Ramadan. The city of Edirne elect their batteries on the skill base of drums and the drummer wearing a uniform to preserve tradition.

On the road

Muslims are not expected to fast during the journey, so when the bus makes a stop off food and beverages will be available and not have to feel ashamed of eating or drinking in public. As some people avoid traveling during Ramadan, can see hotels and beaches are less crowded.

Last week, however, becomes a flurry of travel as people return home to the great feast of Eid. At this point it's best to avoid the roads, there are a lot of accidents during these three days due to increased traffic.

= Food Celebrations Special!

There are a lot of color and activity at night during Ramadan particularly around Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet area of Istanbul. Sweets traditional and special dishes appear in cafes and restaurants. Be sure to try the Gulach, a delicate dessert made with rosewater and nuts, and special wheels "bread of Ramadan", made with black sesame seeds.

But is it safe to visit Turkey during Ramadan?

Visiting Turkey during Ramadan is like visiting a Christian country at Christmas. Visitors are usually surprised and sometimes overwhelmed, but the generosity and the hospitality of the Turks. In general, visitors traveling in Turkey during Ramadan did not regret their decision, they see a slice of Muslim life that would have otherwise lost.

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