Turkey: Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) June 24-25

Event

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began on May 27, is likely to come to an end at sundown on Saturday, June 24, or Sunday, June 25 (depending on the moon). During this time, operations in Turkey will come to a virtual standstill as Muslims gather to pray and celebrate with family and friends in observation of Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan. While practices vary by area, Eid al-Fitr celebrations are likely to have an impact on many businesses and services (including administrative services) that will close or significantly reduce their hours of operation beginning on Saturday or Sunday evening; similar disruptions could continue into the following days. As this period is typically marked by increased travel, heavy road traffic along with other transportation disruptions (crowded airports, etc.) is to be anticipated.

Context

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the conclusion of 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting and remains one of the most important dates on the Muslim calendar. Generally speaking, the month of Ramadan is historically marred by a significant increase in terrorist threats and as such there is a potential for attacks to be carried out during Eid celebrations.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey are advised to allow for additional travel time, to remain vigilant, and to avoid large public gatherings.

Due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, individuals throughout Turkey should report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and maintain a high degree of vigilance, especially when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, festivals, etc.). Some Western governments advise against travel to areas along the Syrian and Iraqi borders.