The Ministry of Interior Has Sent a Ramadan Circular to the Governorates of 81 Provinces
The Ministry of Interior has issued an important circular to the governorates of all 81 provinces regarding measures to be taken during the Ramadan month amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The circular details the precautions and rules to be observed throughout Ramadan to reduce transmission risk.
Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam and across Turkey, traditionally marked by charity, support for orphans and the needy, and strong communal solidarity. Given these social and spiritual dynamics, the circular emphasizes the importance of complying with the public health measures already adopted to prevent the spread of the virus.
What Does the Circular Sent to the 81 Provinces Cover?
The circular prepared by the Ministry of Interior outlines a set of measures designed to protect public health during Ramadan. The key provisions are summarized below.
Ramadan tents and similar setups that gather people in close proximity during iftar and suhoor times will not be allowed this year. Authorities will take all necessary steps to prevent gatherings at iftar and suhoor when social distancing cannot be maintained.
Streets and avenues that might become densely crowded during iftar and suhoor may be closed as part of the preventive measures. Visits to shrines and tombs will also be prohibited for the duration of Ramadan.
The circular includes instructions specifically for drummers and those who traditionally collect tips during Ramadan. To prevent risk from door-to-door visits, monetary tips that would normally be collected by individual drummers should instead be gathered collectively through local channels. Direct house-to-house collection by drummers will not be permitted.
To avoid crowding at bakeries, production of pide and bread will cease at least two hours before iftar. Bakers are permitted to resume production and sales preparations after iftar and suhoor hours if needed.
Each province will assess its own circumstances and adopt the appropriate security and public health measures to ensure a safe Ramadan period.
To manage potential traffic increases associated with Ramadan, municipalities will coordinate at least three hours in advance and increase the number of vehicles and services for public transportation as necessary.
Before iftar, public transport vehicles and stops will be inspected to ensure social distancing and mask use are maintained.
Visits to cemeteries will be controlled; entry and exit will be monitored to ensure safe flows. Temperature checks will be conducted at cemeteries on the eve of the holiday and on the days of Eid. Social distancing and mask compliance will be enforced during these visits.
Authorities will carry out regular inspections of streets and public spaces to identify and manage any activities that could create crowding or raise the risk of virus transmission.
Markets, bazaars, and shopping areas that typically experience increased foot traffic before and during Ramadan will be subject to checks to ensure social distancing and mask-wearing.
Inspections targeting businesses that might exploit the holiday for opportunistic practices will be intensified and enforced more strictly during the Ramadan period.
Overall, the circular underlines that maintaining public health precautions and complying with restrictions is essential to protect communities and allow Ramadan to be observed as safely as possible during the pandemic.