The questions visitors most often ask about Islam, answered simply
The five pillars, the meaning of Allahu Akbar, five daily prayers, headscarves in mosques, the Qur'an and Ramadan: clear answers for curious visitors.
Sareban Hotel
Islam and mosque culture
Islam and mosque culture: 15 travel articles written by the Sareban Hotel team in Sultanahmet — practical, up-to-date advice for understanding and planning Istanbul.
What is a mosque? A visitor's guide to the mihrab, minbar, minarets and domes
What each part of a mosque is for: mihrab, minbar, galleries, minarets and balconies, domes, courtyards and fountains, explained with Istanbul examples.
The Islamic call to prayer: what the adhan says and why you hear it five times a day
The words of the adhan line by line, the five prayer times, the extra dawn line, maqam melodies, the sela and the era of the Turkish-language call.
What is Muslim prayer? Salah, prayer times, ablution and tips for visitors
The meaning of salah, the five daily prayers, standing, bowing and prostration, ablution, prayer rugs and qibla, and why mosques pause for visitors.
Congregation and Friday prayer: their meaning and what visitors should know
Why Muslims pray together, shoulder-to-shoulder rows, the imam, the Friday sermon and women's sections, and why big mosques close around Friday noon.
The meaning of Ramadan and fasting: sahur, iftar, tarawih and mahya lights
Why Muslims fast, who is exempt, sahur and iftar, tarawih prayers, mahya lights between minarets, Ramadan drummers and tips for visitors in Istanbul.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in Türkiye: meaning, customs and travel tips
What the two Eids celebrate, the Eid prayer, visiting elders and kissing hands, sweets, sacrifice and sharing, and how the holidays affect travel in Istanbul.
What Does Inshallah Mean? Origin, Everyday Use and How to Reply
What does inshallah mean, where does it come from and how should you reply? A short guide, plus mashallah, bismillah and other phrases you'll hear in Istanbul.
Kandil nights: Mawlid, Raghaib, Miraj, Barat and the Night of Power
What are kandil nights in Türkiye? Meaning of the five holy nights, why minarets are lit, kandil simit bread and how visitors can respectfully experience them.
Reading the mosque walls: Islamic calligraphy, İznik tiles and geometric art
A visitor's guide to Istanbul's mosque art: Hagia Sophia's giant calligraphy roundels, common inscriptions, İznik tiles, geometric patterns, tezhip and ebru.
Külliye and vakıf: how Ottoman mosque complexes ran a welfare system
What is an Ottoman külliye? How mosque complexes with schools, soup kitchens, hospitals and fountains were funded by waqf endowments: Istanbul examples.
Türbe and cemetery etiquette: Istanbul's royal tombs, gravestones and cypress trees
What is a türbe and how do you visit one? Sultan Ahmed, Süleyman, Hürrem and Eyüp Sultan tombs, etiquette tips and how to read Ottoman gravestones.
The Mevlevi order and the sema: understanding Istanbul's whirling dervishes
Who was Rumi and what does the sema mean? Symbolism of the sikke, tennure and raised hands, the ney flute, UNESCO status and how to watch respectfully.
What is halal? The concept explained, and eating halal in Istanbul
What do halal and haram mean, and is it only about food? Halal meat in Türkiye, gelatin and alcohol questions, certification and Istanbul dining tips.
The Holy Relics chamber at Topkapı Palace: history, highlights and etiquette
What's in the Holy Relics section of Topkapı Palace? The Prophet's mantle, Holy Banner, Kaaba keys, live Qur'an recitation and tips for a respectful visit.