HITTING THE ROAD FOR EID: TURKEY'S TRAVEL TRENDS DURING EID AL-ADHA
Holiday destinations thrive with tourists, while major metropolises obey the silence on the initial day of Eid.
With the arrival of Eid al-Adha on June 6, the coast was a happening place, while urban centers, including Istanbul, displayed an unexpected tranquility.
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As Turks embraced rest, family gatherings, and festive rituals during the four-day holiday, many left cityscapes silent.
Istanbul, usually teeming with traffic, found peace in the early mornings, with main arteries experiencing surprisingly light traffic.
Day 4 of June marked the beginning of a long-awaited vacation for millions, leading to a surge in travel across the country from the 4th afternoon - a day ahead of the official holiday break. The result? Crowding at Istanbul and Sabiha Gökçen airports, with additional staff, upgraded security, extended e-passport counters, and more services in place to handle the influx. Istanbul Airport alone was expected to handle over 1,600 flights and nearly 250,000 travelers on June 6.
As for the roads, a steadfast exodus from Istanbul and adjacent provinces led to congestion on major highways. The popular summer destination, Bodrum, recorded an influx of 50,000 vehicles in 24 hours, with traffic stretching for kilometers.
In an attempt to manage increased traffic, fixed speed cameras - some as frequent as every 30 kilometers - were installed. While the intent was presented as life-saving, the overall sentiment among drivers skewed toward the cameras being punitive rather than preventative.
Meanwhile, returning expatriates from Europe added to border traffic, notably at crossings like Kapıkule in Edirne's western province.
Eid al-Adha, also referred to as the Feast of Sacrifice, pays tribute to Prophet Abraham's (Ibrahim) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael in obedience to God. During this holiday, many Turkish Muslims engage in the ritual sacrifice of animals and distribute some of the meat among family, friends, and the needy.
Millions flocked to mosques for the Eid prayers. Later, public slaughtering grounds designated by municipalities became focal points of activity, as citizens performed the religious rite of sacrifice. Visits to cemeteries were also common, with mourners arriving in the early hours to recite prayers and lay flowers on graves.
Eid al-Adha in Turkey is marked by economic challenges[5]. Rising inflation and escalating costs have made the traditional sacrifice an expensive proposition, affecting both farmers and consumers [5]. Despite these difficulties, charitable organizations continue providing support to those in need, both within Turkey and internationally, as evidenced by Turkish charities providing over 9,000 animals for the less fortunate in Uganda [1].
This economic environment and political tensions could potentially impact travel patterns, with some opting to stay closer to home due to financial constraints [5]. Regardless, the festivities remain a time for family reunions and religious observance, with travel being an integral part of the celebrations.
Many Turks opted to travel during Eid al-Adha, integrating travel into their lifestyle as a part of the festivities. Despite the economic challenges faced during this holiday, the surge in travel across the country was noticeable, especially at airports and popular summer destinations.
