Ramazan - the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, occurs in Turkey this year between Friday 21st August and Saturday September 19th 2009.  Celebrations start at sunset on the previous day - Thursday 20th August.  The dates may vary from country to country depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not.  

The final ten days of Ramazan are regarded as being especially important.  In particular the 27th night which is referred to as the Night of Power, or the Night of Destiny.  On this night it is said that the prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Qur’an.

Ramazan is followed by a 3 day national holiday called Ramazan Bayrami (or Şeker Bayrami) - on 20th, 21st and 22nd September.  The first day of Şeker Bayram is known as Eid al-Fitr, when Muslims will gather to offer a prayer of thanks.  You can also expect to see people celebrating at this time.

The banks and other official offices will be closed on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd of August.

Whilst it is called Ramazan in Turkey, you will hear it referred to as Ramadan in most other countries.  It's the same thing.