On March 1, 2025, the holy month of Ramadan begins, prompting millions of Muslims across Turkey to prepare for one of the most significant observable rituals: the teravih prayers. These prayers, conducted nightly during Ramadan, hold a special significance as they allow congregants to come together after breaking their fast, reinforcing their community ties and religious devotion.
This year, like every other, local authorities have been busy compiling lists of mosques where teravih prayers will be held. The Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, which oversees the religious practices across Turkey, has announced various mosques across key cities such as Ankara, Bursa, and Bodrum where the prayers will be conducted. For example, according to the 2025 Ramazan İmsakiyesi announced by Diyanet, the teravih prayer times vary slightly across Turkey, reflecting local customs and daylight hours.
Specifically, the first teravih prayer of 2025 will occur on the evening of February 28, at various times depending on the city. Citizens can expect the teravih prayer to be held at 20:19 in Istanbul, 20:13 in Ankara, 20:26 in İzmir, and 20:19 hours in Bursa. The established times provide important scheduling for those wishing to attend these nightly gatherings.
For residents of Ankara, mosques designated for teravih include: Akyurt Yıldırımhan, Altındağ Site, Kereçeciler, and Çankaya Sebahattin Yıldız, among others. This variety ensures ample space for worshippers seeking to participate in this spiritually fulfilling activity. Similarly, Bursa has also announced its list of mosques hosting the prayers, which are significant for the local Muslim population.
On the evening of the first teravih prayer at Bodrum, local citizens gathered at their mosques en masse. The Bodrum Müftülüğü prepared for the influx of worshippers by organizing Quran recitations, discussions, and prayer sessions. Bodrum's community spirit was palpable as young and old filled the mosques, eliciting shared feelings of devotion and spirituality.
Bodrum Müftüsü İbrahim Kapancı commented on the significance of Ramadan, saying, "May this blessed month be fruitful for the entire Muslim community, and I invite all citizens to fully embrace the atmosphere of spirituality this month brings." This sentiment echoes throughout the country, reinforcing the importance of Ramadan as more than just fasting; it is about community, reflection, and growth.
During Ramazan, the atmosphere within the mosques quickly transforms. After the teravih prayers, attendees often engage with one another, sharing greetings of peace and well-wishes for the month, reinforcing bonds of friendship and community. Activities planned throughout Ramadan include Quranic recitation nights, communal iftar meals, and religious discussions arranged by local authorities to keep the community engaged.
It’s typical for various mosques to also host educational events focused on the significance of Ramadan. These events aim to deepen the community's religious awareness and knowledge, making the month not only about prayers but also learning and growing together.
Community leaders consistently remind attendees of the benefits of engagement during Ramadan. Attendance at daily prayers may not just be about fulfilling religious duties; it incorporates social and emotional aspects, fostering unity and mutual support. Every gathering, be it for prayer or discussion, reinforces the value of togetherness during this holy month.
The transition from the evening of February 28 to the morning of March 1 marks not just the commencement of fasting, but the beginning of lots of gatherings, prayers, and community goings-on. It reinforces the standing tradition where the personal commitment to faith transforms communal interactions, providing experiences marked by shared aspirations and collective prayer.
With many awaiting the announcement of the prayer timings, there is also the anticipation of reunion and remembrance. Indeed, this Ramadan gives people the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Islam, the importance of unity, and the joy of community under the spirit of worship.
Further enriching the month, daily activities will run alongside prayers and discussions to welcome everyone's participation. May this Ramadan serve as both fulfilling and harmonious for all, reinforcing personal and collective faith through the nightly teravih prayers shared among the community.
For those interested, detailed schedules including the imsak (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal to break the fast) times, will also be available through reputable sources like Diyanet's website. Keeping track of such schedules ensures community members can participate fully, not just on prayer times but across all the rituals and observances uniquely tied to this holy month.
Such collective observance fosters not only personal growth but embodies the essence of being part of the global Muslim community, reaffirming values such as charity, compassion, and social responsibility throughout Ramadan. It serves as one of the many opportunities for Muslims around the world to express their faith and commitment to the teachings of Islam, reminding us all of the importance of compassion and community spirit during this special month.