Has anyone traveled to Istanbul during Kurban Bayrami (also known as Eid al-adha)? I am an American but currently live in Sofia, Bulgaria, and was excited to take a 4-day trip to Istanbul that would have me there Nov 26-29, 2009, which I believe is right in the middle of this major holiday. I have never been to Istanbul before and am very eager to take in the sights, but if most of the big attractions will be shut down (or if transportation would be a major headache), I might save this trip for another time. I am planning on taking the train or bus from Sofia, if it matters. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Posted by
Seattle, USA
990 posts
Banks, schools, and government offices will be closed, but most museums and tourist attractions will be open as usual. Because this is a multi-day holiday, many Turks take advantage of this to travel, and it is the time that observant Muslims may undertake the Haj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. Others simply take advantage of the holiday to visit family or friends, much as we might for Thanksgiving.
Transportation hassles will be most noticeable the day or two before and after the holiday. Again, think about travel patterns here with respect to Thanksgiving. I'm not familiar with the Sofia to Istanbul route, but I would guess that it wouldn't be one of the crowded ones, since Bulgaria isn't an Islamic culture and few Bulgarians will have those days off as a holiday.
Posted by
Buffalo, NY, USA
27 posts
I will also be in Istanbul during this time. I looked into the holiday, and agree with that has already been said. Banks, government offices, some stores and restaurants will be closed, and the train station and airport will be busier than normal, but by no means should you not go.
Keep in mind that while the population of Turkey is over 90% Muslim, it is a secular country and not as strictly religous as other Muslim nations, so you won't see deserted streets and a dead city as you might in Saudia Arabia for example. A friend of mine who is Turkish and was born and raised in Istanbul didn't even realize those dates were Kurban Bayrami this year. Many people travel to visit friends and family like you would for Thanksgiving, but the country, and especially Istanbul will still be thriving. On the first day of the festival more stores and restaurants will be closed, but during the rest of the days most everything a tourist could want will still be open. Do keep in mind that the Grand Bazaar closes early the day the festival starts (like all Muslim holidays, it starts at sundown), and it will be closed the first full day of the holiday, but should be open the rest of the holiday.
Istanbul is a big secular city with a LOT of tourists at all times of the year. Shop owners, museums, and most restaurants aren't willing to close down and lose customers for multiple days. From talking with my friend, you're likely to not even notice the holiday other than the first day which will see more closures and travel irregularities.
The main museums and almost everything in the touristy old town will likely still be open.
Posted by
OP
Sofia, Bulgaria
2 posts
Thanks for the tips, Matt and Jer. We just booked our hotel in Istanbul, so here's hoping it's a great trip. Thanks again,
Jeff