Turkiye Confirms February 19 as First Day of Ramadan

Fez — Turkiye has officially announced that Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, after astronomical calculations confirmed that the crescent moon cannot be sighted on February 17.

Turkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) stated that visibility of the Ramadan crescent would not be possible on Tuesday, February 17, across the Arab and Islamic world and the Americas. As a result, the first day of fasting will be observed on February 19.

Turkiye determines the beginning of all Hijri months using pre-calculated astronomical data. Authorities assess crescent visibility on the 29th day of the preceding lunar month and begin a new month only if calculations indicate the moon could be seen — either by naked eye or telescope — in regions sharing nighttime hours with Turkiye.

The Diyanet said its 2026 calculations showed the crescent would not meet visibility criteria on February 17, making a February 18 start impossible under its methodology.

With the announcement, Turkiye joins other countries, including Singapore and Oman, in formally confirming Thursday, February 19, as the first day of Ramadan.

Ramadan marks the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast daily from dawn until sunset, dedicating the month to prayer, reflection, and charity.