Turkish holidays in Nov. 2011???

[HiLo71]

We'll be in Istanbul from Nov. 5-7th and have been told there is some kind of religious holiday that will have some of the sights closed. (Celebrity mentions closing of the Egyptian Spice Market on Nov.7th) Does anyone know how many days this will effect? One day or most of that weekend?

[texancruzer]

A quick google turned up this website

 

http://www.istanbultrails.com/2008/04/official-national-religious-holidays-in-turkey/

 

Scroll down and find Nov 2011 listing.

 

Not sure how it will affect closings etc...but at least you will know what is taking place and can ask further. Hopefully someone will know how this will affect your stay there.

[cruisemom42]

Someone posted a similar question on the Egypt boards and got more detailed info that may help you:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1435259

[HiLo71]

thanks...I got a different reply...but looks like we won't get the see the things I wanted to see...oh well....

 

The religious holiday will be starting on 5th of November( Most of the places will be open in the morning but will close afternoon) The first day of bayram is 6th of November, some shops/cafes will be closed all day while some will be open afternoon.On 7th, most of the sights will be open. The mosques will be open but they might be crowded on 6th of November since everyone will go to pray early in the morning because it is bayram.