Iftar 2025 in Istanbul

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. In a nutshell, Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a celebration of devotion and self-control. But then, the devotees need to break the fasting, and Iftar is what helps them do that. Iftar is a very significant cultural and social event in Turkey, frequently uniting families and communities in celebration and introspection. This after-sunset, collective family meal is a perfect way to experience Turkish culture through its traditional food.

Iftar Dishes in Turkey

The first component of Iftar is an appetizer, which usually consists of nuts, dried fruits, cheese, olives, and such Turkish specialties as spicy sausages named "sucuk" or cured beef called "pastirma." To break the fast, some Muslims eat three dates. Next comes soup, accompanied by Ramadan seed bread and pastries called "börek." For the main course, you will have a chance to taste traditional Turkish dishes made of lamb, like kuzu tandır and Hünkar beğendi, or Turkish dumplings called "mantı."

At last, the long-awaited dessert—milk-based Güllaç, made of starchy dough with pomegranate seeds, is the most typical for the occasion. The ample meal is washed down with traditional, non-alcoholic Turkish drinks like fruit "şerbet" or salty yoghurt-like "ayran."

Ramadan Customs

Besides the Iftar meal, the Ramadan holiday as a whole is widely celebrated in Turkey. The local mosques lit up traditional candles, known as kandil, throughout the entire night, while the Ramadan cannon, normally set up at the highest point in the city, signals the start of the Iftar meal. In Istanbul, the cannon ceremony is sometimes held in the Sultanahmet Square.

Places to Experience Iftar in Istanbul

It would be ideal if you were invited for Iftar to a genuine Muslim household to have the true full experience; however, local restaurants offer fairly good Iftar menus and a corresponding festive atmosphere. From set menus to traditional Turkish and Ottoman music, the eateries let you experience Iftar to the fullest.

There are many places across the city to experience Iftar. If you don't want to go to a restaurant, head to Beyazıt Square, Gülhane Park, Çemberlitaş, Sultanahmet Square, and places like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, where the locals celebrate and organize picnics to enjoy the food with friends and family.