Ramazan - a period of fasting, during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, ends soon.

It is followed by a 3 day national holiday called Şeker Bayram - on Tuesday 30th & Wednesday 31st August and Thursday 1st September. 

The first day of Şeker Bayram is known as Eid al-Fitr, (the breaking of the fast), when Muslims will gather to offer a prayer of thanks.  You can also expect to see people celebrating at this time.

This contrasts with Kurban Bayrami, which will be celebrated in November, where sacrificial animals are slaughtered and the meat is distributed to poorer families.

The banks and other official offices will be closed for Şeker Bayram as follows:

• Monday 29th close at lunch time (half day)
• Tuesday 30th August closed
• Wednesday 31st August closed
• Thursday 1st September closed
• Friday 2nd September re-open

There is a clash of public holidays this year, as 30th August is both Şeker Bayram and also Victory Day.

If you would like to see how KTLN reported Şeker Bayram in 2010, click on the following link: Şeker Bayram 2010

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