Today is the eve of Eid al-Adha, or Kurban Bayram in Türkiye. Eid al-Adha is the second of two main Turkish national holidays and a time when families gather to enjoy each other’s company, share meals and be thankful for all they have. This holy celebration traditionally lasts 4 days, but this year President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that it had been extended to 9 days, starting at midday on Friday 8th July, with most people returning to work on Monday 18th July 2022. During this time, schools, banks and government buildings are normally closed, and the towns, beaches and resorts in Türkiye fill with locals enjoying a well-deserved holiday with their loved ones.

About Eid al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice)

Eid al-Adha is a Muslim celebration commemorating the time Prophet Ibrahim was prepared to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah, but he was sent a ram instead. The celebration dates differ each year according to the Islamic (lunar) calendar, but they always fall 70 days after Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Bayram). It is also a time when many Muslims make the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the religion’s most sacred shrine.

How is Eid al-Adha celebrated in Türkiye?

Eid al-Adha in Türkiye usually starts early, with Muslim men attending the local mosque for special prayers. Traditionally, they then return home where an animal is blessed and sacrificed. A ram, goat or sheep is usually the animal of choice, but occasionally a cow if the family is wealthy or has enjoyed a particularly successful year. Following the sacrifice, the meat is butchered and divided into portions. Two-thirds are kept and shared with family and friends, and the remaining third is gifted to those less fortunate.

Kurban Bayram is a well-loved celebration and a time set aside for reflection. Throughout the holiday, friends and family visit, children are gifted toys and candy, and fabulous food is cooked and served to the masses, similar to the Christian celebration of Christmas. The sacrifice of an animal may seem unnecessary to some, and many Muslims now decide to forgo the ritual in favour of donating money to charity instead. Either way, a gift to those less fortunate is a kind gesture that gives thought to the struggles of others. Note: The sacrifice is rarely done in public in resorts or touristic areas, so you are unlikely to see the ritual unless you choose to attend or head into a more rural area or a private home.

What to expect if you’re cruising in Türkiye during Eid.

The main difference you are likely to notice during Eid is that everywhere gets busy. The airports and marinas, main tourist beaches, popular attractions and resorts will attract crowds, but 360° Yachting can draw up an itinerary and give you pointers on where’s best to go to avoid the masses.

Domestic travellers do head to the coast or their summer properties during national holidays, so hotels and restaurants may be fully booked. Local supermarkets and grocery stores sometimes run out of basic supplies, but rest assured Senem and the 360° provisions team is on hand to organise all necessary provisions for the yacht.

During Kurban Bayram, you will find that banks, government buildings, post offices, and some local businesses will be closed during the holiday. Most restaurants, bars, and exchange bureaus in the main towns and resorts will remain open, but some may operate reduced hours on the first day of the holiday so they can spend time with their families. Should you require any assistance throughout Eid al-Adha, CONTACT US.

Enjoy a happy and healthy Eid al-Adha from all at 360° Yachting

360° Yachting wishes all those celebrating Kurban Bayram/Eid al-Adha in Türkiye a safe, healthy and happy holiday. We want to thank all our clients, collaborators, friends and family for their continued support. Our office is open throughout the 9-day period, so if you need any assistance, please GET IN TOUCH.