Visiting Istanbul during Ramadan is more than sightseeing—it’s an opportunity to feel the rhythm of the city through evening prayers. In the YouTube video “صلاة التراويح في تركيا”, الحارث مبارك shares his experience finding a mosque in Istanbul for Taraweeh, especially for those who want to attend with Arabic-speaking worshippers.
One of the video’s key messages is that Taraweeh practices can differ between schools of thought. Because of that, the number of rak‘ahs and some details may vary, so it’s worth being flexible and respectful when you join a local congregation.
Finding a mosque for Taraweeh in Istanbul
The video begins with a simple, practical goal: if you’re in Istanbul and looking for a mosque where people pray Taraweeh, the presenter suggests searching for a place where the attendees are Arab, so you can join the service with a similar community feel. As the clip indicates, many may already know the rhythm of the prayer, but it’s still helpful to confirm the timing and congregation style once you arrive.
Just as importantly, the presenter encourages viewers to complete the video to the end, implying there are further details and recommendations that will help you plan your visit better.
How many rak‘ahs are prayed in Turkey?
Here’s one of the most informative parts of the video: the presenter notes that Taraweeh in Turkey can differ from how it’s done by Arabs. According to what’s shared in the transcript, the Turkish congregational practice is described as being around 20 rak‘ahs. By contrast, the presenter explains that “we as Arabs” typically pray 11 rak‘ahs of Taraweeh, along with the Witr prayer.
Note: The video concludes with “والله اعلم” (“God knows best”), which is a respectful reminder that details can vary by community and locality, and that people should follow guidance appropriate to their own circumstances.
Welcoming the Ramadan atmosphere
Alongside the prayer-focused guidance, the video captures the feeling of Ramadan as people gather to pray. The presenter’s journey reflects a theme many travellers experience during the holy month: you come for worship, and you leave with a deeper connection to the city’s atmosphere.
Nearby places mentioned in the video
After discussing the prayer arrangements, the presenter points viewers toward places in the area for exploration. The transcript mentions a stop described as an industrial neighbourhood in Harem, and then refers to Bayrampaşa / or a nearby complex called “Papa Jan”, stating it is right underneath the referenced location. The exact wording in the transcript is partially truncated, so it’s best to treat this as direction rather than a precise itinerary.
If you’re travelling with the same intention—pairing Ramadan prayers with nearby exploration—use the video’s suggestions as a starting point, then verify the location details on the map once you’re in Istanbul.
A thoughtful tip before you go
- Be open to differences: the video explicitly mentions variation between practices and schools.
- Arrive with flexibility: some congregations may follow a different rak‘ah count than what you’re used to.
- Join respectfully: follow the mosque’s guidance once you’re there.
Ready to plan your Istanbul Ramadan experience?
If your heart is set on attending Taraweeh in Istanbul, this video offers a helpful first step: look for the right mosque for your comfort and community, expect that rak‘ahs may differ, and let the evening prayer become part of your travel story.
Sakina Tours can help you turn inspiration into a well-paced Ramadan plan—pairing worship-friendly locations with convenient transport and smooth day-by-day scheduling. If you’d like, tell us your preferred dates and the vibe you’re after (quiet mosque atmosphere, Arabic-speaking community, or a more local experience), and we’ll suggest a curated way to spend Ramadan in Istanbul.
Want more from the same journey? The presenter invites viewers to comment if they want the video to include “photos of you” during Taraweeh in “Istanbul”—a reminder that this is a journey meant to be shared with the community.
