The month of Ramadan has arrived, bringing renewed energy to the Muslim community as they gear up for fasting and prayers throughout this sacred period. With the start of the holy month on March 1, 2025, Muslims across Turkey are turning to imsakiyes (prayer timetables) to know the exact times for sahur (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal to break the fast), ensuring their observances are timely and precise.
This year, the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı) has released the 2025 Ramadan Imsakiye, detailing the prayer times for various cities, allowing residents to plan their meals effectively. For eight major cities—Nevşehir, Niğde, Tekirdağ, Artvin, Batman, Karabük, Yalova, and several others—specific timings have been outlined, serving as guidance for those participating in this month-long observance.
Starting with Nevşehir, the imsak (sahur) time has been set for 05:45 on the first day of Ramadan. The iftar will be observed at 18:40 — each day marking specific times for prayers and meals. This is important for many as it not only governs the fasting hours but also shapes the day-to-day routine during Ramadan.
The schedules have been laid out clearly, exemplifying the importance of timing during this period. On March 2, 2025, for example, sahur will occur at 05:44, with iftar later at 18:42. Similarly, on March 3, 2025, these times will shift slightly to 05:43 and 18:43, respectively. Such precision is encouraged as it helps reinforce community and family gatherings during iftar, a time traditionally marked by communal meals.
Shifting focus to Niğde, the sahur and iftar times on the first day are set for 05:46 and 18:41. The calendar continues providing updated times, changing slightly as the month progresses, ensuring adherence to the lunar schedule typical of Islamic months. The importance of these rituals was highlighted by local officials who remind the community of the significance of fasting and communal observance, noting, "During Ramadan, we should increase our charitable giving as many suffer from hunger and hardship across the globe."
Tekirdağ follows closely with their imsakiyes reflecting the same dedication to timing. For Tekirdağ, the sahur starts at 06:13, and the iftar for the day is at 19:07. The city’s residents are expected to gather for prayers and reflect on the spirit of Ramadan, encouraged to engage more deeply than just fasting.
Other cities like Artvin and Batman showcase similar schedules, with Artvin announcing their first sahur at 05:16 and iftar at 18:10. Batman's timings on the same day reveal sahur at 05:20 with iftar at 18:16. Each location emphasizes the importance of following the divine schedule as part of their religious observance, noting disparities may exist depending on local practices.
The impact of Ramadan also extends to cultural expressions. Educational sessions emphasizing the importance of Ramadan, with lessons on charity and compassion, run parallel to the prayer schedules. This year’s observance has been especially marked by calls for increased charitable acts as noted by Halit Çalış from the Diyanet, who stated, “We must not lead comfortable lives when many suffer from hunger and oppression.” His remarks resonate with many as they prepare for Ramadan, solidifying the communal and charitable spirit of the month.
Muslim communities observe this month with festivities and renewal of faith, highlighted by prayer nights and Quran recitations within mosques. The first terawih prayers are expected to be held on February 28, signaling the broader community's commitment to partake fully during this month of reflection and devotion. Numerous mosques will be filled with worshippers for evening prayers after iftar, creating bonds of unity among participants.
The significance of these prayer times—whether for personal reflection during sahur or communal gatherings for iftar—cannot be overstated. They establish routines and traditions pivotal for the Muslim community. Especially during the last ten days, the anticipation builds for Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Decree, believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed—considered 1000 times more valuable than other nights.
Ramadan 2025 offers many with opportunities to nourish not only their bodies but also their spirits—deepening their connections with family and community, enriching their faith through shared experiences and collective moments. It's not just about abstaining from food but engaging actively with one's faith and one’s community. Through organized volunteer efforts and charitable donations, individuals are reminded of the wider humanitarian needs beyond their immediate circles.
Whether you’re based in Edirne or Hakkari, residents prepare for fasting by gathering precise times for sahur and iftar. Local imams encourage all to maintain their schedules to reflect the sanctity of Ramadan. Every region, every city, and every sound of the ezan (call to prayer) serves as reminders of the beauty found within this sacred month.
With the newfound knowledge from the 2025 imsakiyes, individuals can approach Ramadan with the readiness and awareness of what lies ahead. From planning meals around sahur to gathering together for iftar, this month symbolizes both individual and shared commitments—making it one of the most awaited times of the year for Muslims worldwide.