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Eid al-Fitr 2026: The holy month of Ramadan is ending, and Muslims in Turkey are getting ready to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, known locally as Ramazan Bayramı or often called Şeker Bayramı (the Sugar Feast) because of the tradition of offering sweets. This happy festival marks the end of a month of fasting, prayer, and helping others. It’s a time for celebratory meals, family get-togethers, and special prayers. The precise day of Eid is determined by the Islamic calendar.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 in Turkey
In Turkey, Eid al-Fitr 2026 is officially expected to begin on Friday, March 20, 2026. Unlike many countries that wait for a physical moon sighting, Turkey’s religious calendar is set in advance by the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) using scientific calculations.
The holiday period starts with a half-day on “Arife” (the Eve) and includes three full days of celebration. The main public holidays are expected to be Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: Moon Sighting Date in Turkey (Chaand Raat / Arife)
In Turkey, the night before Eid is called Arife. This is Thursday, March 19, 2026. While Turkey uses calculations, this day marks the eve of the festival. Based on these calculations, the first day of Ramazan Bayramı is set for Friday, March 20.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: Moon Sighting Time in Turkey (Chaand Raat)
On the evening of Arife (Thursday, March 19), the calculated “new moon” for Shawwal confirms that the next day is the first day of the festival. The government then officially starts the public holiday period.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: When Will Crescent Moon Be Seen in Turkey?
Astronomical data for 2026 indicates that the crescent moon will be born on March 19. This makes the first day of the festival Friday, March 20. As the dates are pre-calculated by the Diyanet, there is no local physical sighting debate for the national holiday.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: Chaand Visibility Details in Turkey
Visibility is confirmed through astronomical science. The Diyanet announces the dates of all religious holidays years in advance. Therefore, for 2026, the date of Eid al-Fitr is already fixed.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: Prayer Timings in Turkey
The Eid prayer is called Bayram Namazı. It is held in large congregations shortly after sunrise. The exact time changes from city to city because of Turkey’s geography.
- General Timing: The prayer time is usually between 6:45 AM and 7:30 AM, depending on the city.
- Major Locations: Prayers are held in mosques all across the country, with the largest gatherings at iconic historical mosques and open squares.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: Namaz Timings in Turkey Mosques
On Friday, March 20, 2026, Muslims across Turkey will gather for Eid prayers shortly after sunrise. The exact minute for each city is usually published by the Diyanet 24 to 48 hours before the holiday, but they generally follow this schedule:
- Istanbul: Approximately 7:05 AM – 7:15 AM.
- Ankara: Approximately 6:50 AM – 7:00 AM.
- Izmir: Approximately 7:15 AM – 7:25 AM.
- Antalya: Approximately 7:00 AM – 7:10 AM.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: Turkey Major Prayer Locations
If you are in Turkey, these iconic mosques are the most popular locations for the congregational prayer:
- Istanbul: Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed), Hagia Sophia, and Suleymaniye Mosque.
- Ankara: Kocatepe Mosque and Melike Hatun Mosque.
- Edirne: Selimiye Mosque.
- Bursa: Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami).
Important Notes
- Zakat al-Fitr: Before the morning prayer, Muslims are required to give a special charity (fitre) to help those in need participate in the celebrations.
- Public Holidays: The government has designated public holidays from Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 22, 2026.
- Confirmation: Exact prayer times are confirmed by the Diyanet and local mosque committees.