Turkey Prayer Times
Islamic prayer times (namaz and salah) for every city in Turkey: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and Azan times, updated daily.
Islamic prayer times for Turkey. PrayerAll provides accurate daily prayer schedules for 10 cities across Turkey. Prayer times in Turkey are calculated using the Muslim World League method. Main timezone: Europe/Istanbul. All prayer times include Fajr, Sunrise, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. Times are updated daily and calculated based on each city's geographic coordinates. Source: PrayerAll.com – Global Islamic prayer time reference for Muslims worldwide.
Choose Your City in Turkey
Select your city to get accurate prayer time using Recommended method
Istanbul
Ankara
Izmir
Bursa
Adana
Konya
Gaziantep
Antalya
Kayseri
Mersin
Islamic Resources for Turkey
Muslims in Turkey can check prayer times (namaz and salah) for cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, updated daily with the trusted Diyanet (Presidency of Religious Affairs) method.
General Prayer Time Questions
How accurate is the prayer time for Turkey?
Turkey uses the Diyanet (Türkiye Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı) calculation method, the official standard throughout the country. This method calculates Fajr at 18° below the horizon, Isha at 17° below the horizon, and applies a 45-minute safety margin for Fajr. The Diyanet publishes official prayer time calendars for all cities and provinces, which are followed by mosques nationwide. Turkey operates on Turkey Time (TRT, UTC+3) throughout the year, having permanently adopted summer time in 2016 and discontinued daylight saving time changes. This means prayer times remain on the same clock offset year-round. The ezan (adhan) is called in Turkish from the country's 90,000+ mosques, with the Sultanahmet and Süleymaniye mosques in Istanbul being particularly famous for their melodious calls. Friday prayers (Cuma namazı) see massive attendance, with many businesses closing briefly for the prayer.
Why are prayer times different between apps and mosques?
Prayer times can vary slightly due to different calculation methods, angles for Fajr and Isha, and whether the location uses summer time adjustments. We use the most widely accepted method for each region.
Which prayer time should I use to break my fast during Ramadan?
You should break your fast at Maghrib (sunset) time. This is when the sun has completely set below the horizon. The Maghrib time shown is calculated precisely for your location.
Is the sunrise time shown a prayer time?
No, sunrise is not a prayer time. It marks the end of Fajr prayer time and the beginning of the prohibited time for prayer. You cannot pray when the sun is rising until it has risen completely (about 15-20 minutes after sunrise).
About Turkey
Turkey occupies a unique position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, with a Muslim population of approximately 85 million representing over 98% of its citizens. As the successor state to the Ottoman Empire, which led the Islamic world for over six centuries, Turkey possesses an extraordinarily rich Islamic heritage. Istanbul alone contains more historic mosques than any other city in the world, and the country's Diyanet (Presidency of Religious Affairs) serves as a major authority for Sunni Muslims globally.
Islamic Heritage in Turkey
Islam has shaped Anatolia since the 11th century when Seljuk Turks brought the faith to the region. The Ottoman Empire, established in 1299, became the dominant Islamic power for over 600 years, with its sultans holding the title of Caliph from 1517 until the caliphate's abolition in 1924. Istanbul (Constantinople) served as the seat of this vast Islamic empire, transforming into a center of Islamic art, architecture, and scholarship that influenced Muslim civilization worldwide.
Turkish Islamic architecture reached its zenith under the genius of Mimar Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire who designed over 300 structures including the magnificent Süleymaniye and Selimiye mosques. The Ottoman style, characterized by massive central domes, cascading semi-domes, and slender pencil minarets, has influenced mosque design across the Muslim world. Historic sites like Topkapi Palace, which housed sacred relics including the Prophet's cloak and sword, remain important pilgrimage destinations.
Modern Turkey, while constitutionally secular since 1923, maintains deep Islamic roots. The Diyanet (Presidency of Religious Affairs) oversees over 90,000 mosques and employs hundreds of thousands of religious personnel. Turkish Islamic traditions blend Central Asian Turkic customs with Ottoman refinement, producing distinctive practices in Quran recitation, mosque architecture, and religious education. The Sufi tradition, particularly the Mevlevi Order founded by Rumi, has profoundly influenced Turkish spirituality and culture.
Prayer Time Practices in Turkey
Turkey uses the Diyanet (Türkiye Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı) calculation method, the official standard throughout the country. This method calculates Fajr at 18° below the horizon, Isha at 17° below the horizon, and applies a 45-minute safety margin for Fajr. The Diyanet publishes official prayer time calendars for all cities and provinces, which are followed by mosques nationwide.
Turkey operates on Turkey Time (TRT, UTC+3) throughout the year, having permanently adopted summer time in 2016 and discontinued daylight saving time changes. This means prayer times remain on the same clock offset year-round. The ezan (adhan) is called in Turkish from the country's 90,000+ mosques, with the Sultanahmet and Süleymaniye mosques in Istanbul being particularly famous for their melodious calls. Friday prayers (Cuma namazı) see massive attendance, with many businesses closing briefly for the prayer.
Major Mosques in Turkey
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Istanbul
One of the most iconic mosques in the world, built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. Famous for its six minarets (a unique feature at the time) and interior decorated with over 20,000 handmade İznik tiles in blue patterns. It remains an active mosque while also welcoming millions of visitors annually.
Capacity: 10,000 worshippers
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Istanbul
Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 CE, converted to a mosque in 1453 after the Ottoman conquest, and reconverted to a mosque in 2020. Its massive dome was an architectural wonder that inspired Ottoman mosque design. The building represents 1,500 years of religious history and houses unique Islamic calligraphy alongside Byzantine mosaics.
Capacity: 25,000 worshippers
Süleymaniye Mosque
Istanbul
The masterpiece of architect Mimar Sinan, built between 1550 and 1557 for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Considered the finest example of Ottoman classical architecture, it features perfect proportions, excellent acoustics, and a serene atmosphere. The complex includes the tombs of Suleiman and his wife Hurrem Sultan.
Capacity: 5,000 worshippers
Selimiye Mosque
Edirne
Mimar Sinan's self-proclaimed masterpiece, completed in 1574 when he was 80 years old. The dome, at 31.3 meters in diameter, surpasses that of Hagia Sophia. Its four identical minarets, each with three balconies, are considered the finest in Turkish architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Capacity: 6,000 worshippers
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Istanbul
Built on the site of the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who died during the first Arab siege of Constantinople. It is the holiest Islamic site in Turkey and was where Ottoman sultans were girded with the Sword of Osman. The mosque and surrounding area are major pilgrimage destinations.
Capacity: 3,000 worshippers
Grand Mosque of Bursa (Ulu Cami)
Bursa
Built in 1399 during the Ottoman rise, this mosque features 20 domes and a unique interior with a fountain for ablution inside the prayer hall. Its walls are covered with beautiful calligraphy, including some of the finest examples of Ottoman Arabic script. The mosque represents early Ottoman architectural style.
Capacity: 5,000 worshippers
Çamlıca Mosque
Istanbul
The largest mosque in Turkey, opened in 2019 on the Asian side of Istanbul. Its six minarets and massive dome are visible from across the city. The modern complex includes a museum, library, art gallery, and conference halls, representing contemporary Turkish Islamic architecture.
Capacity: 63,000 worshippers
Ramadan in Turkey
Ramadan in Turkey, known locally as Ramazan, transforms the country into a celebration of faith and community. Cities are adorned with 'mahya' - illuminated messages strung between mosque minarets, a tradition unique to Turkey dating back to the 18th century. The iftar cannon tradition continues in some cities, and municipalities set up public iftar tables serving thousands of free meals nightly in major squares and mosque courtyards.
Turkish Ramadan traditions include special foods like pide (Ramadan flatbread), güllaç (a delicate rose-water dessert), and dates. The 'sahur' (pre-dawn meal) is often announced by drummers (davulcu) who walk through neighborhoods in traditional Ottoman costume. Taraweeh prayers are well-attended, with famous mosques like Sultanahmet and Eyüp Sultan drawing large crowds. The 'Kadir Gecesi' (Night of Power) is observed with special prayers and many Turks spend the entire night in worship. Eid al-Fitr, called 'Ramazan Bayramı' or 'Şeker Bayramı' (Sugar Festival), is a three-day national holiday featuring family visits and traditional sweets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What calculation method is used for prayer times in Turkey?
Turkey uses the Diyanet (Presidency of Religious Affairs) method, which calculates Fajr at 18° and Isha at 17° below the horizon. The Diyanet is the official religious authority and publishes standardized prayer times for all Turkish cities and provinces.
Does Turkey observe daylight saving time?
No, Turkey permanently adopted UTC+3 (Turkey Time) in 2016 and no longer observes daylight saving time. This means prayer times maintain the same clock offset year-round, though the actual times shift naturally with the seasons.
Can non-Muslims visit mosques in Turkey?
Yes, most mosques in Turkey welcome non-Muslim visitors outside of prayer times. Major tourist mosques like the Blue Mosque and Süleymaniye provide headscarves and modest coverings at the entrance. Visitors should dress modestly, remove shoes, and maintain quiet respect.
What is the significance of Eyüp Sultan Mosque?
Eyüp Sultan Mosque is built over the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who hosted the Prophet in Medina. It is the holiest Islamic site in Turkey, and Ottoman sultans were traditionally crowned here by being girded with the Sword of Osman.
What is mahya in Turkish Ramadan tradition?
Mahya are illuminated messages or designs strung between mosque minarets during Ramadan, a tradition unique to Turkey that began in the 18th century. These lights display religious phrases, greetings, or artistic patterns and are a beloved feature of Turkish Ramadan nights.
What is the role of the Diyanet in Turkey?
The Diyanet (Presidency of Religious Affairs) is the government body responsible for administering religious affairs in Turkey. It oversees over 90,000 mosques, employs imams and religious staff, issues religious guidance, determines prayer times, and publishes the official Islamic calendar for the country.
What are the working hours during Ramadan in Turkey?
Unlike some Muslim-majority countries, Turkey does not officially mandate reduced working hours during Ramadan as it is a constitutionally secular state. However, many private businesses adjust schedules, and there is generally greater flexibility for observant employees. Government offices maintain standard hours.