Turkey has entered the Eid al-Fitr celebrations on the second day of a four-day nationwide curfew on May 24, beginning May 22 midnight to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Although Turkey usually declares curfew at the weekends in the major cities, this one is covering all of the country for four days to include the Eid holiday which is marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Markets, grocery stores, greengrocers, and butchers were open on May 23, but they will be closed on May 24-26.
Also, bakeries will remain open during the rest of the curfew.
The first curfew was declared on April 11-12 and followed by others in the past weeks.
Turkish president issues message for Muslims’ Eid al-Fitr
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on May 23 issued a message ahead of Eid al-Fitr, urging the public to observe the Muslim festival indoors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In his message on the eve of the Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan, Erdoğan said humanity is going through a tough test of coronavirus crisis, however, Turkey is managing this process very
well.
Stressing the importance of the global effort against the outbreak, Erdoğan said Turkey gave humanity lessons to the world.
“While many countries have experienced tough times during their virus combat due to their limited sources, Turkey has met its own needs and it also has helped many countries,” he said.
Erdoğan appreciated all public and private sector personnel, especially healthcare professionals, who, he said, “worked selflessly” during the outbreak, for their efforts.
Erdoğan also added that the government will continue to work to cushion the adverse impacts of the virus.
“I hope, in the post-pandemic era where the world will reorganize politically and economically, we will uprise the power, wealth and welfare of Turkey,” he said.
Lastly, Erdoğan congratulated the Eid of all Muslims and Turkish people, which will be celebrated by millions of Muslims between May 24 and 26 this year.
“May Allah allows us to observe the holy month of Ramadan with health, well-being, and peace,” he said.
