Eid al-Adha, also known as Kurban Bayramı in Turkish, is one of the most important Islamic festivals of the year. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. Muslims around the world celebrate this occasion by slaughtering an animal, usually a sheep or a goat, and sharing the meat with their family, friends and the poor.
This year, Eid al-Adha will begin on the evening of Wednesday 28 June and end on the evening of Sunday 2 July. It is a public holiday in Turkey and many other Muslim countries, which means that most businesses, banks and government offices will be closed for four or five days. However, some shops, restaurants and tourist attractions may remain open for some or all of the holiday period.
If you are planning to spend your Eid al-Adha holiday in Marmaris, a popular resort town on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, you will find plenty of things to do and see. Marmaris is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, historical sites and natural wonders. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, sailing, diving, hiking, biking and more. You can also visit the Marmaris Castle and Museum, the Grand Bazaar, the Dancing Fountains and the nearby ancient city of Ephesus.
Marmaris is also a great place to experience the festive atmosphere of Eid al-Adha. You can join the locals in attending the morning prayer at one of the many mosques in town, such as the İbrahim Ağa Mosque or the Hafsa Sultan Mosque. You can also witness the ritual of animal sacrifice at designated places or at private homes. You may even be invited to share a meal with a Turkish family and taste some traditional dishes such as kavurma (fried meat), pilav (rice), börek (pastry) and baklava (sweet pastry).
Eid al-Adha is a time of gratitude, generosity and celebration for Muslims. It is also a time of cultural exchange and learning for visitors. Whether you are a Muslim or not, you can enjoy your Eid al-Adha holiday in Marmaris and discover its charms and traditions.