Eid al-Adha or Kurban Bayram in Türkiye is the second and holiest of two main Turkish national holidays. It is a Muslim celebration known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorating when Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was prepared to sacrifice his son but was thankfully sent a ram by God instead. Kurban Bayram is a time families gather to enjoy each others company, share fabulous food and be thankful for all they have.

Kurban Bayram in Türkiye 2021

Kurban Bayram in Türkiye is a national holiday. It falls 70 days after Seker (Sugar) or Ramadan Bayram, changing each year according to the Islamic (lunar) calendar. The holiday officially lasts four days and gives locals the chance to spend time with family and enjoy a well-deserved break from work.

This year (2021), the Turkish government have extended the Bayram break to 9 days, from Saturday, July 17^th to Sunday, July 25^th, with the public returning to work on Monday, July 26th. This will be the first holiday for over a year that pandemic restrictions or lockdowns don’t apply, so you will likely see those celebrating making the most of their week off work, with coastal resorts busy with Turkish holidaymakers as a result.

About Kurban Bayram

Traditionally, on the first day of Kurban Bayram, an animal is sacrificed, usually a goat, sheep or a ram, but sometimes a cow if a family is wealthy or has had a particularly successful year. Men rise early to attend a special prayer in the mosque then the sacrifice ritual begins.

Sometimes the animal is dressed up or painted in henna, then blessed by the butcher with a prayer. It is then killed and the meat prepared. The meat is usually divided into portions, two-thirds kept and shared with family and friends, the remaining third given to the poor.

Kurban Bayram is a celebration

Kurban Bayram is a well-loved celebration and a time set aside for reflection. The gift of meat to those less fortunate is a way of saying thanks for all you have achieved in the past 12 months. This kind gesture also gives thought to the struggles of those around you. As the years have passed, many have questioned if sacrificing an animal is necessary, and today many Muslims forgo this ritual, opting to donate money or gifts to charities or struggling local families instead.

The first day of the Kurban Bayram is normally spent visiting family and friends. Locals wear their best clothes, make fabulous food, cakes and sweets to share with guests. The young spend time with their families, those studying or working away return home to be with their parents, kids are given gifts or chocolates, and huge family feasts are prepared and enjoyed – much in the same way as Christians celebrate Christmas.

Cruising during Kurban Bayram in Türkiye

The majority of people cruising in Türkiye during Kurban Bayram will notice little difference. Those in port are unlikely to see any animals sacrificed and will probably only notice an influx of tourists on daily boat trips or enjoying the beaches. Traditionally, many domestic tourists from the cities head to their yachts or summer properties during this period, and hotels tend to be fully booked. You are lightly to see people camping and eating picnics on the roadsides, forests and in bays. The supermarkets and grocery stores do sometimes run out of the basics as locals stock up to feed the influx of guests. Luckily, Senem is on hand to organise any provisions necessary.

You will find banks, government buildings, post offices, some local businesses, and schools will be closed for the duration of the break. Most restaurants, bars, and exchange bureaus in resorts do remain open, but some shops may operate reduced hours or not open at all on the first day of the holiday so they can spend time with their families. Do be sure to organise anything official in advance or CONTACT US for assistance.

360° Yachting wish all those celebrating Kurban Bayram in Türkiye a safe, healthy and happy holiday, and thank you all for your continued support. Our office is open, so should you need any assistance during the Bayram break, don’t hesitate to CONTACT US.