Rabat – Turkiye has announced Friday, April 21 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr 2023, marking the end of Ramadan.
Turkish news agency Anadolu Agency confirmed the news today, stressing that Friday will be the first day of El Al Fitr celebrations when end-of-Ramadan prayers will be performed in all mosques across the country.
Eid prayers will be performed in Ankara at 6:34 am local time and in Istanbul at 6:49 am, the news agency added.
The Turkish Islamic Affairs Ministry also announced the news on its Instagram page, confirming Friday as the first day of Shawwal — the tenth month in the Islamic calendar which als marks the end of the month of Ramadan.
Also known as Seker Bayram in Turkiye, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated in Turkey through the exchange of family visits and gifts.
Prior to this sharing of gifts and special visits, Turkish people flock in thousands to the closest mosques to perform Eid Al Fitr prayers.
At the end of the end-of-Ramadan morning prayer, families gather around for a special breakfast.
For Turkish people, this year’s Ramadan has been an opportunity to show solidarity with the victims of the disastrous earthquakes that hit the country in February.
Ahead of Ramadan, the president of Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs, Ali Erbas, declared “Ramadan and Solidarity” as the theme of this year’s month-long fasting in the country. He spoke of Ramadan 2023 as an opportunity and reminder to help those who have been affected by the earthquakes.
In addition to Turkiye, several other countries are also expected to announce April 21 as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), among others.
Morocco, which is also expected to sight the crescent moon for Eid Al Fitr later today, is set to announce Saturday, April 22 as the day of the festival.
