Türkiye Marks Eid al-Adha with Mass Exodus to Coasts, Empty Cities, and Traffic Jams

As Türkiye welcomed Eid al-Adha on June 6, 2025, scenes across the country reflected a striking contrast: serene city streets and packed coastal getaways. Major metropolises like Istanbul experienced a rare calm, while popular summer destinations such as Bodrum and Çeşme were overwhelmed by visitors.

The four-day public holiday sparked a nationwide travel surge, with millions setting out for vacation, family reunions, and religious rituals.

Istanbul Empties Out Amid Mass Departures

Once bustling with commuters, Istanbul’s arteries such as the E-5 highway stood almost empty on Eid morning. The mass departure began as early as June 4, with citizens rushing to leave before the official break began.

Both Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen saw record activity. On June 6 alone, Istanbul Airport expected over 1,600 flights and nearly 250,000 passengers, leading authorities to boost staffing, open extra e-passport counters, and tighten security lanes.

Intercity bus terminals added extra services, and major highways leading out of Istanbul became choked with cars. Notably, Bodrum recorded 50,000 vehicles entering within 24 hours, causing traffic to stretch for kilometers.

Holiday Season Brings Traffic Enforcement and Debate

To manage the congestion and enhance road safety, the Interior Ministry ramped up traffic enforcement. Fixed speed cameras, some placed every 30 kilometers, triggered backlash from drivers who labeled the move as punitive rather than preventative.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya defended the initiative, framing it as part of a broader road safety vision to significantly reduce fatalities by 2030.

Expatriates Return, Borders Clog

Adding to the movement were returning Turkish expatriates, particularly from Europe, crowding border crossings like Kapıkule in Edirne province. The mix of domestic vacationers and foreign returnees intensified pressure on the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

Religious Traditions Mark the Occasion

The Eid al-Adha holiday, one of the holiest festivals in Islam, was observed with deep spiritual significance. After morning Eid prayers, citizens visited designated slaughtering grounds to perform the ritual sacrifice of sheep, goats, or cattle.

As tradition dictates, the meat was shared among family, neighbors, and those in need. Municipalities oversaw operations at public slaughter areas, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Hospitals, as in previous years, saw an uptick in emergency room visits due to amateur butchers sustaining self-inflicted injuries while performing the sacrificial act.

A Nation in Motion

From the stillness of Istanbul’s skyline to the festive buzz of Türkiye’s beaches, Eid al-Adha 2025 offered a glimpse into the country’s diverse rhythms—united in faith, yet marked by a massive internal migration.