2. The dates of these festivals vary, moving backwards by about ten days each year depending on the moon because celebration days are calculated according to the lunar calendar. There are two religious holidays or feasts, the first one is Ramadan Festival and the second one is Festival of Sacrifice.

4. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God and to practice empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity.

5. Muslims all around the world abstain from food and drink, through fasting, from dawn to sunset. Muslims start fasting when they reach puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting. At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar.Iftar Fasting

6. In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month. Prayer and reading of the Qur'an

7. Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadan. According to the tradition, Ramadan is a blessed time to give in charity, as the reward is 70 times greater than any other time of the year. For that reason, Muslims will spend more in charity, and many will pay their zakat during Ramadan, to receive the blessings (reward). Charity

8. Other Traditions There are also many traditions regarding the fasting month, which is known as Ramadan Month. In former times in particular, and in summer when nights are shorter, people who fasted did not sleep after dinner but waited until sahur (a meal taken just before dawn during Ramadan). In this period, people organised many different forms of entertainments. Karagöz and ortaoyun were examples of Ramadan shows. In rural areas, people gathered in houses and in coffee houses where wandering minstrels used to play instruments and sing.

9. The Ramadan festival comes after one month of fasting. It lasts for three days. What do people do? Many people wake up early on the first day of the Ramadan Feast. They put on their best clothes, which they often buy specifically for the occasion, and have a large breakfast. This symbolizes the end of the fasting period.

10. The Ramadan Feast has an alternative name in Turkey, the Sugar Feast (Şeker Bayramı), because people give their guests sweets and traditional desserts during the festival. It is a custom to visit one's relatives, especially elder ones, and kiss their hands as a sign of respect.

11. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special food and buy gifts for their families and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it.

12. Public life The Ramadan Feast is an official holiday that continues for three days in Turkey. Administration buildings, schools and most businesses are closed during this period.

14. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months & 10 days) after the end of the month of Ramadan.month of Ramadan It is celebrated for four days. This festival is well known with its story. In the past, the prophet Ibrahim hadn’t had a child for many years. Then he promised God ‘if God gave him a son, he would sacrifice him for God’. After he had a son, he told Ismail that he had to sacrifice him for God. When he intended to sacrifice Ismail for God, a ram fell from the sky. God told Ibrahim to sacrifice a ram instead of Ismail. After that day it became a tradition.

15. Traditions and practices On the first day of the Feast of the Sacrifice, Muslims sacrifice rams. In some parts of Turkey rams are washed, painted with henna. Rams, camels or oxen may be sacrificed. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts. The family retains one third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the other third is given to the poor and needy.

16. During the Feast of the Sacrifice we usually wear our new clothes and visit neighbours, relatives and friends. Young people kiss their parents’ hands as a sign of respect and receive best wishes and also get some money. The main idea of the Feast of the Sacrifice is helping the poor people and having a good relationship with everyone.

17. Public life The Sacrifice Feast is an official four-day holiday in Turkey. Administration buildings, schools, banks and post offices are usually closed during this period.

18. The End