Travel during Ramadan?
My tentative dates to travel fall during both Ramadan and Seker Bayram. Can't decide whether to avoid this holy period or experience it. Don't want to get caught with too many closures. Have 3 days before we have locked in airfare....Please comment

We were there last September during Ramazan - no problem w/
closures at all. There were hordes of pilgrims in Sultanhamet
esp. at the religious sites.

My advice would be to avoid the Spice Market on Friday -
the crowds were brutal!

In 2006, I was in Istabul Turkey during Ramadan. It was actually quite beautiful. Local families took picnics and ate their dinners after sunset in the park between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It was a celebration. Enjoy it~

Thank you. I'm leaning toward just keeping with our original plans...

I too was in Istanbul (Sultanhamet) and then Selcuk and Sirince during the last week of Ramadan and into the Bayram festival in October 2006 and would not have missed it for the world. It was wonderful to observe and be caught up in the hustle and bustle (and good food) of the evening, and to be surrounded by happy, festive citizens of a stunningly beautiful country. I'd do it again.

Two more days left to book...and no one has discouraged me. Sounds like it's a "go"

there is absolutely no reason for you to behave differently during Ramadan when in Turkey.

Outside Istanbul, if you go out of your way to visit non touristic locations, you may not find an open restaurant. In which case, you should carry your food and water which you can eat and drink anywhere. But that does not apply to touristic areas resorts and Istanbul.

Just do not drink alcoholic beverages in publi areas during the fasting hours. (it should be Ok even inside restaurants during the day, if they will deliver)

we plan to travel to Capadoccia and Anatlya, not all our time in Istanbul...

Cappadocia and Antalya are as touristic as you get. You probably should refrain from beer or wine during the day in Cappadocia, but Antalya is no problem.

however, if you visit the city, Kayseri, that is a fundamentalist town and you will not find any open restaurants. In fact alcoholic drinks are banned throughout the city (although the mayor says it is a commercial decision not so sell alcohol even wine or beer in supermarkets and restaurants, because no one demands any.

What about Bodrum? Pamukkale? Obviously our itinerary is not set, yet and we will return next year as my son and family are living there presently. The must sees, for a 5 days out of Istanbul is what we are planning.

We have been to Ephesus and Istanbul previously and will have several days in Istanbul at the beginning and end of this trip,too

Thank you so much.

Bodrum is not a must see. Most of the peninsula are crowded and noisy or with villas for the super rich. Everything is expensive or not very good in most areas.

By the way, Antalya is also expensive.

Pamukkale is next to denizli, another city with fundamentalist local government. Most pamukkale accommodation does not get very good reviews.

There is a not very frequent THY flight from istanbul to denizli. The buses take about 1o hours or so.

The travertines of denizli are mostly spoilt. Hieropolis ruins and especially the burial grounds are reasonably interesting.

The best place to visit there is the antique city, Aphrodisias, abot 45-60 minutes from Denizli.

Cappadocia is a must see and if you wish to stay longer than three full days in the region, you should vivit the Hittite capital hattusas and if also possible, Alaca Hoyuk, from Cappadocia, drive back to Ankara and fly to Izmir from there.
These two last sites, in combination with the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara is awesome for someone interested in ancient civilizations, especially when you add the Archeological museum in Istanbul.

Thank you, we are working out our preferences and using your most helpful input.