Turkey currently operates on Turkey Time (TRT), which is UTC+3. The live clock at the top of this page shows the exact current time in Turkey, including Istanbul, Ankara, and all other Turkish cities.
Does Turkey observe Daylight Saving Time?
No, Turkey permanently adopted UTC+3 in September 2016 and no longer changes clocks for daylight saving time. This means Turkish time remains constant throughout the year.
What time zone is Turkey in?
Turkey is in the Turkey Time zone (TRT), which is UTC+3. This timezone is used throughout the entire country, from Istanbul to Ankara to Antalya.
When should I check in for Turkish Airlines flights?
For international Turkish Airlines flights, you should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight. Airport check-in counters close 60 minutes before international flights and 45 minutes before domestic flights.
What time is Jummah prayer in Turkish mosques?
Jummah (Friday) prayer in Turkey typically begins between 12:30 and 13:00 (12:30 PM - 1:00 PM), though exact times vary by mosque and season. It's recommended to check with your local mosque for precise timings.
How many hours ahead is Turkey from GMT/UTC?
Turkey is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When it's 12:00 noon in London (GMT), it's 15:00 (3:00 PM) in Turkey.
Is Istanbul in a different time zone than Ankara?
No, all of Turkey, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and every other city, uses the same time zone: Turkey Time (TRT), UTC+3.
What is the time difference between Turkey and the USA?
The time difference varies by US time zone. Turkey is 7-10 hours ahead of the USA depending on the specific US time zone and whether daylight saving time is in effect in the US. For example, Turkey is typically 7 hours ahead of New York (EST) and 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST).
Turkish time, officially known as Turkey Time (TRT), has been UTC+3 since September 2016 when Turkey decided to permanently adopt daylight saving time. This decision means that clocks in Turkey no longer change throughout the year, providing consistency for businesses, travelers, and residents.
The country spans two continents (Europe and Asia) but uses a single time zone for the entire nation. Whether you're in European Istanbul or Asian Anatolia, the time remains the same - UTC+3.
Understanding Turkish time is essential for:
International Business: Scheduling meetings and calls with Turkish partners
Travel Planning: Booking flights and understanding Turkish Airlines check-in times
Religious Observance: Knowing prayer times and Jummah schedules at Turkish mosques
Cultural Events: Participating in Turkish events and broadcasts in real-time
Tourism: Planning activities and tours in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and other destinations
βοΈ Planning Your Trip to Turkey
When traveling to Turkey, understanding the local time is crucial for a smooth journey. Turkish time zone awareness helps you plan everything from your Turkish Airlines flight connections to visiting major attractions during their operating hours.
Major Turkish Cities and Time
All major Turkish cities operate on the same time zone (UTC+3):
Istanbul: Turkey's largest city and cultural capital, home to over 15 million people
Ankara: The nation's capital, located in central Anatolia
Izmir: Major port city on the Aegean coast
Antalya: Popular Mediterranean resort destination
Bursa: Historic city and former Ottoman capital
Best Time to Visit Turkey
Turkey's climate varies significantly by region, but understanding Turkish time helps you plan activities regardless of season. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather across most of the country. Summer brings hot temperatures, especially in southern regions, while winter can be cold in central and eastern Turkey.
π Islamic Prayer Times in Turkey
Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, and prayer times are an integral part of daily life. The five daily prayers (Salah) are observed throughout the country, with mosques calling the faithful to prayer (Adhan) at specific times.
Understanding Prayer Time Variations
Prayer times in Turkey change throughout the year based on the position of the sun. The times displayed on this page are approximate for Istanbul and may vary by 5-15 minutes in other Turkish cities. Here's what you need to know about each prayer:
Fajr (Dawn Prayer): Begins at dawn, approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise. In summer, this can be as early as 3:30 AM, while in winter it may be around 6:30 AM in Turkish time.
Dhuhr (Noon Prayer): Starts just after the sun reaches its highest point. In Turkey, this is typically around 12:00-13:30 depending on the season and location.
Asr (Afternoon Prayer): Performed in the late afternoon, usually 3-4 hours before sunset in Turkish time zone.
Maghrib (Sunset Prayer): Begins immediately after sunset. This can range from 16:45 in winter to 20:30 in summer Turkish time.
Isha (Night Prayer): Starts when twilight disappears, approximately 1.5 hours after sunset in Turkey.
Jummah Prayer - The Friday Congregation
Jummah (Friday prayer) is the most important weekly prayer for Muslims in Turkey. Turkish mosques typically conduct Jummah prayer between 12:30 and 13:00 Turkish time, though some mosques may start as late as 13:30. The prayer includes a sermon (khutbah) and usually lasts 30-45 minutes.
During Jummah time, many businesses in Turkey close or reduce operations, especially in more conservative areas. If you're visiting Turkey, it's helpful to plan your Friday activities around these prayer times. Major shopping centers and tourist attractions remain open, but smaller shops may close temporarily.
π Turkish Time Zone History and Changes
Turkey's relationship with time zones has evolved significantly over the past century. Understanding this history helps explain the current Turkish time system.
Historical Timeline
Pre-1978: Turkey used Eastern European Time (UTC+2) during winter and UTC+3 during summer with daylight saving time adjustments.
1978-2016: Turkey continued observing daylight saving time, switching between UTC+2 (winter) and UTC+3 (summer) annually.
September 2016: Turkey made the historic decision to remain permanently on UTC+3, abandoning the practice of changing clocks twice yearly.
2016-Present: Turkish time has remained stable at UTC+3 year-round, simplifying life for residents and international coordination.
Why Turkey Stopped Changing Clocks
The Turkish government's decision to permanently adopt UTC+3 was driven by several factors. Economic studies suggested that maintaining daylight hours later in the evening could boost retail activity and reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the constant time changes were seen as disruptive to daily routines, business operations, and international scheduling.
This change means that Turkey is now permanently three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC), regardless of the season. For international travelers and businesses working with Turkish time, this provides welcome predictability and simplifies planning throughout the year.
πΌ Business Hours and Turkish Time
Understanding Turkish business hours is essential when planning calls, meetings, or visits to Turkey. Here's a comprehensive guide to typical operating hours in Turkish time:
Standard Business Operations
Government Offices: Typically open 09:00-17:00 Turkish time, Monday through Friday. Some offices may close for lunch between 12:00-13:00.
Banks: Usually operate from 09:00-17:00 on weekdays. Some banks in major cities extend hours until 17:30 or 18:00 Turkish time.
Private Businesses: Most operate from 09:00-18:00 Turkish time, with some flexibility depending on the industry and company size.
Retail Shops: Opening hours vary, but many operate from 10:00-20:00 or later in Turkish time. Shopping malls typically stay open until 22:00.
Restaurants: Lunch service typically runs 12:00-15:00, dinner from 18:00-23:00 or midnight in Turkish time. Restaurants in tourist areas may have extended hours.
Best Times to Contact Turkish Businesses
When scheduling international calls or meetings with Turkish contacts, aim for 10:00-16:00 Turkish time on weekdays. This avoids early morning and end-of-day periods, and accounts for lunch breaks. Remember to check the current Turkish time before making your call to ensure you're reaching out during business hours.
ποΈ Turkish Culture and Time Perception
Turkish culture has a unique relationship with time that reflects both its Eastern and Western influences. While modern Turkey operates on punctual Western business practices, especially in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, traditional Turkish time perception can be more relaxed in social settings.
Social vs. Business Punctuality
In business contexts, Turkish professionals generally expect punctuality and respect for scheduled meeting times. However, in social situations, there's traditionally more flexibility. The concept of "Turkish time" in informal settings may mean arrivals 15-30 minutes after the stated time are acceptable.
Important Turkish Holidays and Times
Several major holidays affect business operations and require awareness of Turkish time:
Ramadan: Islamic holy month with adjusted work hours (typically 09:00-16:00 Turkish time). Iftar (breaking fast) occurs at Maghrib prayer time.
Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan BayramΔ±): Three-day holiday following Ramadan
Eid al-Adha (Kurban BayramΔ±): Four-day holiday, Turkey's most important religious celebration
Republic Day (October 29): National holiday celebrating Turkey's founding
New Year's Day: Celebrated on January 1st in Turkish time