14 Jun 2024 | 03:15 PM UTC
Asia, Russia, Turkiye: Travel, business disruptions likely June 15-25 around the festival of Eid al-Adha
Muslims in Russia, Central Asia, and Turkiye will observe Eid al-Adha from June 15-25. Business closures are likely.
Muslims in parts of Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Central Asia will celebrate the Feast of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) holiday starting June 15. Although certain governments officially allocate only one day for the observance, local celebrations typically last for around three days, and related disruptions may extend into June 25. Government offices and many businesses will close during this time. The holiday season is typically a major travel period; congestion is possible on major highways, at rail stations, and at airports as observers travel home or visit relatives.
The dates for the holiday observance can vary by country. Predominantly Muslim republics in Russia, such as Tatarstan, often observe unofficial holidays. Owing to the large Muslim population in Moscow, authorities will introduce extensive road closures in the vicinity of several large mosques, including the Moscow Cathedral Mosque on Olimpiysky Avenue, June 16-19. Listed below are the official state holidays; some private businesses may remain closed beyond these dates:
Azerbaijan: June 16-17 (Gurban Bayrami*)
Kazakhstan: June 16 (Kurban Ait*)
Kyrgyzstan: June 17 (Kurman Ait*)
Tajikistan: June 17 (Idi Qurbon*)
Turkiye: June 16-19 (Kurban Bayrami*)
Turkmenistan: June 17-19 (Kurban Bayramy*)
Uzbekistan: June 15-18 (Qurbon Hayit*)
*Local name for the holiday.
Adhere to local customs and avoid sensitive topics of discussion, including religious or political issues. Confirm existing travel and hotel reservations and business meetings. Allow additional time to reach destinations and exercise caution if driving, as traffic fatalities typically increase sharply during this high-travel period.
The Feast of Sacrifice, known as Eid al-Adha in non-Turkic Muslim countries and one of the most sacred holidays in Islam, marks the climax of the Hajj (pilgrimage) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. In accordance with Islamic customs, Muslims who can afford to do so slaughter sheep, goats, or cows, sharing the meat with neighbors, relatives, and those in need.
