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The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) has completed its preparations for Eid al-Fitr, which will take place from March 20 to March 22, 2026.
Authorities announced a series of measures to ensure a smooth holiday period across the city, including free public transport, expanded health services, and cultural programming in areas expected to see increased visitor activity.
Municipal teams have also completed cleaning and maintenance work at 44 historic mosques ahead of the holiday, including major sites such as Eyupsultan, Fatih, Suleymaniye, and Nusretiye mosques, as Istanbul prepares for higher foot traffic in religious and public spaces.
Public transport across Istanbul will be free throughout the three-day holiday for holders of personalized Istanbulkart cards.
Services will run at full capacity across the network, including:
Officials said additional services will be introduced if needed to meet passenger demand.
The BUSFORUS sightseeing service will also continue operating between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., offering routes that connect the European and Asian sides of the city for those moving between key landmarks.
Municipal police teams will remain on duty around the clock during the holiday period, while health services will continue without interruption, including on Arife, the eve of Eid.
Home care teams will operate across both sides of the city, with five teams and five vehicles providing support in districts such as Uskudar, Kartal, Esenyurt, Edirnekapi, and Guzeltepe.
Preparations have also focused on areas that traditionally see high visitor numbers during Eid. Municipal teams have carried out cleaning and maintenance work in cemeteries and surrounding areas across both the European and Asian sides of the city, in addition to the previously completed work at historic mosques.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's Mehter band will perform concerts during the holiday as part of a public program.
Performances will take place:
Food distribution will take place after morning prayers at several major locations, with soup and sandwiches served at:
At Edirnekapi Martyrs Cemetery, mobile teams will provide food service throughout the day.
Public spaces will remain open during the holiday period. Kemerburgaz City Forest will operate daily between 08:00 and 20:00, offering an outdoor option for residents and visitors staying in the city.
Retail services will also continue during Eid. Bahce Market stores and their online platform will offer a 10 percent discount on all products. Some branches, including Zincirlikuyu and Karacaahmet, will remain open on the first day, while all stores will operate from the second day onward.
As part of its social support programs, Istanbul Public Bread (Halk Ekmek) will distribute gluten-free food packages to around 5,000 people with celiac disease and PKU across Türkiye.
Eligible residents can upload medical reports to access discounted products and receive support packages up to three times a year.
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