At the end of fasting for 30 days, Muslims everywhere enjoy Eid al-Fitr, the Arabic name for the celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Turks use the word Bayram, instead of Eid, to mean feast and celebration. The disputes within Turkish society are numerous. First, what is the proper name of the celebration? Conservatives insist on referring to it as Ramadan Feast, while seculars opt for Candy Feast, arguing that the month of Ramadan is over. Then there is the dispute about what day Ramadan ends, or celebrations start, all around the Muslim world, following the debate about the starting day of Ramadan.

In Turkey, most people follow what the Religious Affairs Directorate suggests. This year, to boost tourism, the government extended the holiday to nine days. The first day of Eid was announced as July 5. Based on the lunar year, Ramadan moves 10 days forward every year. Therefore, it is not set to a specific season, so it is difficult to identify certain tastes and decors with Eid celebrations in the Muslim world.

That said, there are several customs and traditions that have lived through the ages. First is cleanliness. About a week before Eid, it is tradition to deep clean your home. This cleaning is followed by shopping for new clothes, accessories and gifts for the celebration. On the first morning of Eid, it is tradition to wear new clothes and shoes, especially for young kids. In almost all neighborhoods, the street markets are busy during the last week of Ramadan.

Another trend that is making a comeback is enjoying a Bayram Hamami — a special session at a Turkish bath with friends. This practice has gained popularity in the last decade, and all upscale hamams (Turkish baths) offer special deals and packages for the holiday.