The city of Istanbul is bracing for the onset of Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. With less than five days until March 1, local markets and restaurants across Turkey are buzzing with preparations for this culturally significant time. Families will gather for communal iftar meals, which mark the end of daily fasting and drive up activity at markets as people shop for ingredients and ready-made dishes.
To combat potential price surges during this period, the Turkish Ministry of Trade has launched inspections to prevent price gouging on basic food items such as flour, bread, oil, eggs, and meat. According to Istanbul Airport's website, "We recommend passengers check flight status with the relevant airlines before heading to the airport and prioritize using public transport to access the airport until Sunday due to expected adverse weather conditions." This follows recent reports of severe weather affecting airports, leading to massive flight cancellations, including on routes to Russia.
Despite these challenges, Istanbul's tourism sector remains vibrant. Notably, the city is set to host the ITF tourism exhibition on September 25-26, 2025, at the Yenikapı Avrasya Show Center. Organized by Dream Project and MICE, the exhibition aims to connect global tourism professionals and promote innovation within the industry. The event will also showcase expert talks and B2B meetings, continuing the momentum after last year's success, which saw participation from 206 companies and engagement with around 15,000 industry professionals.
On another remarkable note, three friends from Spain have reached Istanbul as part of their pilgrimage, retracing the historical tradition of Andalusian Muslims who traveled on horseback. Abdallah Hernandez, Abdelkader Harkassi, and Tariq Rodriguez have already covered nearly 4,000 kilometers since starting their adventure from southern Spain over three months ago. They aim to continue to Saudi Arabia, traversing complex terrains through several European countries. "This is not just travel, it’s a revival of lost tradition," remarked Hernandez, who learned about Islam at the age of 24.
The group recently shared their experience at Halkaalı campus, hosted by Sabahattin Zaim University, where rector Prof. Ahmet Cevat Akar emphasized the historical importance of pilgrimage and expressed happiness at welcoming those on their way to the Holy Land. Indeed, Istanbul has long been recognized as one of the key stops for pilgrims from Europe, the Caucasus, and Asia.
Looking forward, the ITF aims to not only encourage business collaborations but also promote early booking campaigns to stimulate tourism and accomplish mutual benefits for hotels and travel agencies. The exhibition's platform promises to be innovative, aiming at ushering new prospects and growth pathways for the tourism sector.
Despite adverse weather conditions and the challenges posed by rising food prices, the spirit of Ramadan and the preparations for key events like the ITF exhibition exemplify resilience within Istanbul’s tourism sector. By nurturing both local customs and international relationships, the city reaffirms its position as a pivotal player on the global tourism stage.