Grand Bazaar and Ramadan 2012

[cruzemaven]

Does anyone know if the Grand Bazaar will be closed for the entire period of Ramadan 2012 approx. mid July to mid August?Thank you.

[catl331]

When we were in Istanbul, our guide told us that Moslems in Istanbul were a little more lax in their religion than elsewhere. I came prepared with a scarf and appropriate clothes for the Blue Mosque and all that was reguired was taking off ones shoes. Never saw anyone stop and pray at prayer times during the day. I do see on TripAdvisor that last yr. during this fasting time some shops closed for one hour for prayer only on Friday.

 

Guide books say the bazaar is opened from 8:30 until 7:30 except Sunday.

It was a crazy, tiring place to us. Easy to get lost! They have to be open because this is how many of the men make money to support their families.

[catl331]

There's a Q&A HERE about some 2010 Ramadan closings from a man in Istanbul, so I presume 2012 closings would be similar.

 

Here is another 2010 post about Ramadan:

 

1. Re: Ramadan Travel

Jun 01, 2010, 6:38 AM

As a visitor you will not really notice any differences other than the usual festival setting around the Hippodrome and restaurants filling up early ready for the evening fast breaking meal.The city is neither busier nor quieter than other times.

 

Regarding eating during the day;this is a tourist city and so many people will eat during the day-including many Turkish people (not everyone fasts)so yo uwill always be able to find places to eat if you wish.

 

Many people are unsure about travelling during this time but the evening atmosphere is actually really nice and there is nothing of a negative nature to impact on your time here...so get planning :)

[ger_77]

We've been in Istanbul twice during Ramadan and both times the shops were open as usual. One was a Friday evening and we left the Grand Bazaar around 5:45, but nobody was pushing to close any of the shops at that time.

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)