Istanbul’s traffic grinds to halt as Ramadan begins in one of world’s most congested cities
Empty roads in Istanbul captured from the air by drone. (IHA Photo)
On Sunday evening, traffic congestion in Istanbul significantly decreased, dropping to just 1% during Iftar time, providing a smooth journey for drivers.
According to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s traffic congestion map, the city’s traffic volume during Iftar was reduced to a remarkable 1%. This drop in vehicle numbers allowed drivers to experience a much smoother and quicker journey.
Authorities attributed this reduction to people’s tendency to stay at home or in nearby areas during Iftar, avoiding the roads.
Traffic surge expected after Iftar
However, authorities noted that traffic congestion would gradually rise after Iftar, particularly due to the increased number of people heading to mosques for the Tarawih prayers. The rise in traffic is expected to be gradual, with a steady increase in vehicle numbers following the evening prayers.
As the month of Ramadan continues, traffic patterns are likely to change, especially with outdoor Iftar events planned for the upcoming days, which are expected to bring more people to the streets.
