Middle East - Anthony Ham [534]
Even in those countries in which homosexuality is not prohibited by law, it remains fairly low key, with the exceptions of Tel Aviv (see the boxed text, Click here) and İstanbul. In general, however, as a Westerner, you’re unlikely to encounter prejudice or harassment as long as you remain discreet; that may not be the case if you become involved with a local. As a general rule, the same rules of discretion apply for everyone in this conservative region, whether homosexual or heterosexual.
For a good rundown on the prevailing situation in most countries of the Middle East – including news updates, the legal situation and postings by locals and gay visitors – visit www.gaymiddleeast.com, which has sections on all countries covered in this book. Another worthwhile site is www.globalgayz.com.
For more information on gay-friendly bars and hotels, see the Spartacus International Gay Guide (www.spartacusworld.com/gayguide) and the Gay & Lesbian Travellers sections in the individual country chapters of this book.
HOLIDAYS
All Middle Eastern countries, save Israel, observe the main Islamic holidays listed below. Countries with a major Shiite population also observe Ashura, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Hussein, the third imam of the Shiites. Most of the countries in this book also observe both the Gregorian and the Islamic New Year holidays. Every country also has its own national days and other public holidays – for details refer to the individual country chapters.
Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı in Turkey) This feast marks the time that Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Eid al-Fitr (Şeker Bayramı in Turkey) Another feast, this time to herald the end of Ramadan fasting; the celebrations last for three days.
Islamic New Year Also known as Ras as-Sana, it literally means ‘the head of the year’.
Lailat al-Mi’raj This is the celebration of the Ascension of the Prophet Mohammed.
Prophet’s Birthday This is also known as Moulid an-Nabi, ‘the feast of the Prophet’.
Ramadan (Ramazan in Turkey) This is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, when Muslims fast during daylight hours. Foreigners are not expected to follow suit, but it’s considered impolite to smoke, drink or eat in public during Ramadan. As the sun sets each day, the fast is broken with iftar (the evening meal prepared to break the fast). Click here for further details.
Islamic Calendar
All Islamic holidays fall according to the Muslim calendar, while secular activities are planned according to the Christian system.
The Muslim year is based on the lunar cycle and is divided into 12 lunar months, each with 29 or 30 days. Consequently, the Muslim year is 10 or 11 days shorter than the Christian solar year, and the Muslim festivals gradually move around our year, completing the cycle in roughly 33 years.
Year zero in the Muslim calendar was when Mohammed and his followers fled from Mecca to Medina (AD 622 in the Christian calendar). This Hejira (migration) is taken to mark the start of the new Muslim era, much as Christ’s birth marks year zero in the Christian calendar.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance covering theft, loss and medical problems is highly recommended. Some policies offer travellers lower and higher medical-expense options; the higher ones are chiefly for countries such as the USA, which have extremely high medical costs. There’s a wide variety of policies available, so shop around. Watch particularly for the small print as some policies specifically exclude ‘dangerous activities’, which can include scuba diving,