Events and Festivals

There's more than 100 events and festivals held in Turkey each year, and here's an introduction to just a few. Don't forget to check the Places in Turkey page to see what's going on where you're staying.

Ramadan
Ramadan, known in Turkish as Ramazan, is a holy events, held over 30 days. For this month it is nil-by-mouth, meaning nothing must pass the lips during daylight hours, so from sunrise to sunset there must be no food, drink, tobacco, even chewing gum, and the observant must also abstain from any sexual relations.

The idea is that Muslims, however much they observe or don't observe the 'rules' of Ramadan, will scrutinise their lives, the good, the bad and, if applicable, the ugly, and remind themselves of selflessness, charity and good will.

The long hours from sunrise to sunset mean long hours without food, and more importantly, water. This has it's effects on the body, and the last hour of the day can experience a huge amount of car accidents due a major lack of concentration from the drivers. For the month of Ramadan tourists should try to bear the festival in mind, and plan their travelling accordingly.

Restaurants become very busy, very quickly, after sunset, and you may well find that lots of places have sold out all their produce in the first hour or so of darkness.

Another consideration is to politely refrain from eating and drinking in public during daylight hours – as a sign of respect. Eating and drinking inside a café or restaurant is acceptable.

In the evening mosques are beautifully lit up, lights are strung through the trees and an electric atmosphere takes over. Drummers used to walk through the street at around 3am to wake sleepers so they can breakfast before sunrise! In 2007 Ramadan begins 12th September until 12th October.

Istanbul International Film Festival
The Istanbul International Film Festival is held at the beginning of April, in 2007 it begins 31st March and goes on until 15th April. The festival comprises film premieres from all over; Turkey, Europe, Hollywood, Bollywood and more. For the duration there are celebrities galore, whether you're a practised celeb spotter or couldn't care less for the silver screen, you're bound to have a ball in Istanbul over this period. Look out for open film screenings, which are free to attend, as well as wannabe film stars who'll dress up as those from the silver screen; men as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn really are sights for sore eyes!

International Istanbul Music Festival
The International Istanbul Music Festival, held in June-July, is a hugely successful annual event, which has run each year since 1973. There are two main venues; the Hagia Eirene Museum and the Ataturk Cultural Centre, used throughout the duration of the festival, as well as a huge number of smaller venues which between them put on a range of music, from traditional and country, to rock, pop and dance music. This festival presents an excellent time to visit the city, mixing sightseeing with dancing, and having and all-round excellent time.

Camel Wrestling Festival
See our activities page Camel Wrestling for more information...

Ankara International Film Festival
A series of film showing, competitions and parties, the Ankara Film Festival attracts film-enthusiasts from all over the world.

Marmaris Yatch Festival
Hosted by the Marmaris International Yatch Club, this festival has been running for 25 years and is one of Turkey's most established yachting events

Tulip Festival
The Tulip originated in Turkey and this vibrant celebration marks this fact.

International Pamukkale Song Festival

International Jazz Festival
Celebrating music from all over the world, Istanbul turns into one big party venue for the duration of this festival

Troy Festival
Looking back to the famous Battle of Troy, Canukkale celebrates with music, dancing and historical tours

Formula One
This new F1 venue is highly impressive, with brand spanking new facilities for spectators, making it an enjoyable day out even for those who aren't F1 enthusiasts.

Tango Festival
Lasting six days, this event comprises a lot of dancing, including couples following the lead of professional dancers.

Watermelon Festival
An event dedicated to celebrating the farmers' huge watermelons.

International Sailing Cup
An annual event, the Bodrum Cup is the only regatta in European that's just for wooden boats. Click here to find out more about the Bodrum Cup events and festivals