Istanbul's Ramadan:
A Guide to the Final Nights
As Ramadan’s concluding nights arrive in Istanbul, the city's rhythm deepens. The air, already alive with the call to prayer, gains a new layer of intensity, shifting the focus inward for the final stretch of the month.
The evenings are centered around prayer. In the city's grand mosques like Sultanahmet and Süleymaniye, the experience of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands for Taraweeh is humbling. The collective recitation and shared focus create an atmosphere of unity that is hard to find elsewhere, offering a powerful environment for your own personal reflection.
The community spirit is most visible at dusk. You can join the vast communal Iftars in Sultanahmet Square, where meals are shared freely, or simply listen for the steady beat of the Ramadan drummers in the pre-dawn quiet; a functional, living Turkish tradition waking the city for Suhur.
Ultimately, spending the final nights of Ramadan in Istanbul is less about sightseeing and more about choosing your moments. It’s an opportunity to find your own pockets of peace amidst the energy of a city, and to conclude the month with focus and renewed intention.
Delicious Iftar in Istanbul
Highly recommended eateries
Tuğra Restaurant
For an unforgettable, palatial Iftar, Tugra is unparalleled. Located within the magnificent Çırağan Palace Kempinski hotel, it offers an opulent dining experience with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. The menu revives forgotten recipes from the Ottoman Empire, accompanied by live traditional Turkish music.
Address:
Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Çırağan Caddesi 32, Beşiktaş
Recommendations to Try:
Look for the Testi Kebabı (lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot, which is cracked open at your table) or the Lamb Kulbasti. Their Iftar set menu is a curated journey through Ottoman flavours, starting with an array of exquisite iftariye.
Deraliye Terrace
Situated in the heart of the old city, Deraliye Terrace offers a feast for both the palate and the eyes. Specialising in dishes from the Ottoman palace kitchens, their menu is a culinary history lesson. What makes it truly special for Iftar is its spectacular, direct view of the illuminated Hagia Sophia.
Address:
Ticarethane Sokak, No: 10, Sultanahmet
Recommendations to Try:
Don't miss the Goose Kebab (a 15th-century palace recipe) or the Almond Soup (Badem Çorbası), a unique and savoury soup from 1539. Their special Ramadan Iftar menu is thoughtfully prepared, featuring a rich selection of soups, appetisers, main courses, and traditional desserts.
Çiya Sofrası
For a truly authentic and diverse taste of Anatolia, head across the Bosphorus to Çiya Sofrası in the vibrant Kadıköy market. You choose from a vast, ever-changing buffet of unique, home-style dishes representing countless villages across Turkey.
Address:
Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sokak 43, Kadıköy
Recommendations to Try:
There's no fixed menu, which is part of the magic. Approach the steam table (bain-marie) with an open mind. Look for the Perde Pilavı (a wedding pilaf baked in a dough crust) or any of the seasonal vegetable dishes cooked in olive oil (zeytinyağlılar). Be sure to try their unique salads and the sour cherry kebab if it's available.
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