Turkey: Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) holiday June 14-16

Event

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began on May 16, is likely to come to an end at sundown on Thursday, June 14 (depending on the moon). Though practices can vary by country, many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

During this time, operations in Muslim-majority areas of Turkey will likely 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. Eid al-Fitr celebrations may have an impact on businesses, stock exchanges, and services (including administrative services), many of which will close or significantly reduce their hours of operation. As this period is typically marked by increased travel, heavy road traffic after sundown along with other transportation disruptions (crowded airports, etc.) is to be anticipated. Though no specific terror threats have been tied to Eid al-Fitr have been publicized, there is a heightened risk of terror-related activity during the period, as is the case with other high-profile public celebrations.

Context

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the conclusion of a month 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. Approximately 99.8 percent of Turkey’s population is Muslim.

Advice

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

Due to the general terror threat in Turkey, individuals are advised to maintain a high degree of vigilance, report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities, and be particularly cautious when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels, and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).