The following is a list of the national public holidays celebrated in Turkey, during which time banks, offices, and companies are closed and traffic is more intense:
January 1: New Year’s Day
April 23: National Sovereignty & Children’s Day
May 1: Labor and Solidarity Day
May 19: Atatürk Commemoration, Youth & Sports Day
July 15: Democracy & National Unity Day
August 30: Victory Day
October 29: Republic Day
Islamic Holidays in Turkey
Islamic holidays are determined by the lunar Hijri calendar, which is eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The first day of Islamic holidays begins at sunset on the evening of the first day and continues until sunset on the second day.
The two most significant Islamic holidays are Kurban Bayram and Ramadan, both of which comprise national holidays. They may impact your travel plans, so you should be aware of when and how they occur.
Minor Islamic holidays, such as kandils, are not disruptive, only enjoyable and entertaining.
Important public holidays are typically preceded by a half-day holiday known as arife (“preparation”). Islamic holidays begin at nightfall and continue until sundown the next calendar day. On the day of arife, offices, banks, and businesses may close at noon, with festivities beginning at sunset.
Ramazan Bayramı (Ramadan)
Ramazan Bayramı is a three-day festival commemorating the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. (Listed below are the dates.)
Ramazan Bayramı (also known as Şeker Bayramı) commences at sunset on the last day of Ramadan and commemorates the end of the holy month of fasting.
It is an official national holiday in Turkey. The majority of companies and businesses close after lunch on the last day of Ramadan for “preparation”. The three-day celebration begins that evening at sunset and continues until the next evening. Consequently, if the last day of Ramadan falls on Monday, the holiday begins Monday evening and continues until Thursday evening.
The offices are closed for the arife and the three days of holiday.
Museums, archeological sites, and other visitor attractions often close on the first full day of the holiday, but are typically open on the second and third days, which may be especially crowded. There may be reduced holiday admission rates.
Transport may operate on holiday (Sunday) schedules, at least on the holiday’s first day. As people travel on holiday, transportation services may be unusually busy; thus, you should reserve your seats in advance.
On the final day of Ramazan Bayram, the transportation system may be crowded with tourists returning home.
In Turkey, Ramazan Bayramı is a time for sending greeting cards to friends and family, paying visits, and consuming a large quantity of sweets. After 30 days of Ramadan fasting, everyone likes drinking copious amounts of Turkish tea and coffee in broad daylight.
Kurban Bayramı (eid al-adha)
Kurban Bayramı, also known as Eid el-Adha or Eid el-Kebir in Arabic, is the most important Islamic religious festival of the year and a 4- or 5-day public holiday in Turkey. It will impact your trip plans, so plan accordingly. (Following are the dates.)
Kurban Bayram, which begins on 10 Zilhicce (Dhul-hijja) of the Islamic lunar Hijri calendar, is also the season of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Haj), hence domestic and international travel in Turkey is intensive at this time.
Kurban Bayramı doesn’t imply you shouldn’t go to Turkey. However, you should prepare for the holiday. Depending on where you fly, it may not significantly alter your plans. Here’s how to proceed:
Avoid traveling on the first and last days of the holiday season. If you can avoid traveling on the days preceding and after these dates, you should do so.
Make hotel bookings whenever possible. (When the holiday falls during the summer, everyone heads to the beach, but not during the winter!)
Be prepared with cash when the holiday week begins. You should be able to withdraw cash from ATMs (at least during the week), but it’s a good idea to have a backup plan. Here’s more on Turkish currency…
Some museums and attractions (such as bazaars) may be closed on the first day of the holiday, although others may be accessible on other days. There will be sufficient things to see and do.
You may even be invited to participate in the festivities, as I was in eastern Turkey many years ago, which could make your trip very unforgettable.
Assuredly, tourism does not cease during Kurban Bayram, but it does shift slightly. If you are prepared, it should be enjoyable!
Banks and Companies are Closed!
The majority of banks, businesses, and government offices are closed for at least five days, so you should stock up on Turkish lira and any other supplies you may need before the vacation begins.
On the first day of the holiday, shops and bazaars are often closed, however some or the majority will reopen following the first day. Even on the first day, a few stores and companies remain open to provide supplies. Some eateries are open.
Transport Congestion!
Public transportation remains operational and is actively utilized. Even though additional capacity (more trains, ferries, etc.) is added to the timetables during the holiday season, aircraft, trains, buses, and hotels are likely to be extremely packed. If you’re looking for the most convenient mode of transportation during this period, we advise scheduling a private transfer.
In İzmir, more than 1000 buses leave the İzmir International Bus Terminal in Bornova each day at the start of the holiday, as Turks leave for vacation or to visit family and friends; therefore, travelers should avoid traveling during this time, or make reservations in advance and be prepared for delays and inconveniences.
Biblical History
The event commemorates the biblical and Kur’anic tale of Abraham’s near-sacrifice of his son on Mount Moriah, which demonstrates Abraham’s unwavering obedience to God. In the account, God stops Abraham’s hand at the last second and gives a ram as a substitute sacrifice, praising Abraham’s steadfastness.
In accordance with this custom, the head of each Turkish home wants to sacrifice a sheep or other edible animal on the morning of the first day of the holiday season. The meat is used to prepare a spectacular banquet for family and friends, and the remaining meat and hide are donated to charity.
In the countryside, you may encounter permitted sacrificial abattoirs (kurban kesme yerleri). The local authority has designated certain places for the sacrifice of animals under sanitary conditions. Animal sacrifice is prohibited outside of certain regions.
Since the primary objective of the sacrifice is charity, many Muslims — particularly those living in large cities — choose to donate money instead of performing the sacrifice, which is permitted in Turkish Islam.
If you are in the vicinity of one of these family feasts, you may be invited to partake in the abundance, as I was in Eastern Turkey: read the narrative “Eastern Sacrifice” in Bright Sun, Strong Tea. If you have the chance, do not waste it.
National Sovereignty & Children’s Day (April 23)
Children’s Day and National Sovereignty Day are public holidays. It is a holiday for the general populace; schools and most businesses are closed.
In 2022, the date falls on a Cumartesi. Hence some establishments may choose to observe Cumartesi hours.
What Do People Typically Do?
Attending local ceremonies or laying wreaths at monuments dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, is a popular way for citizens of Turkey to pay their respects on the anniversary of the first meeting of the Grand National Assembly, also known as the Turkish Parliament, which took place on April 23, 1920. The Mausoleum of Ataturk, located in Ankara, is the site of the most critical event.
Because Ataturk intended the Turkish Republic to be a gift to children, Turkish students often participate in a ceremony in which they symbolically administer the nation by sitting in the seats reserved for members of Parliament for the day. After the president has been elected, they will address the nation via national television. Festivals explicitly geared toward children are held in many different parts of the country.
The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), which is run by the state, invites youngsters from other nations worldwide to visit Turkey between the ages of eight and fourteen. These youngsters will spend a week in Turkey with Turkish families and participate in various children’s festivals, all of which will lead up to a culminating performance on April 23.
Is Labor Day and Solidarity Day a public holiday? (May 1)
A holiday is observed every year on May 1 for Labor and Solidarity Day. It is a day off for most people in the general population, thus schools and businesses are shut down today.
Because it will fall on a Pazar in 2022, some companies may choose to operate according to Pazar hours for that year.
Is Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day a Public Holiday? (May 19)
Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day is a public holidays in Turkey. The general public has the day off, while schools and most businesses are closed.
What Do People Do?
In preparation for the May 19 celebrations, young Turkish athletes carry the national flag from Samsun, the Black Sea port where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk launched the Turkish War of Independence in 1919, to the capital city of Ankara. The marathon typically lasts approximately ten days. On May 19, the Turkish president accepts the flag during a ceremony.
On May 19, numerous sporting events take place in Turkey. Many people mark this day by attending public sporting events, such as half-marathons, or by watching athletes perform at their local stadiums. University students typically prepare special programs for their teachers and parents on this day.
Additionally, many Turks mark May 19 as Atatürk’s birthday. Although his precise birth date is unknown, Atatürk claimed he was born on May 19th (referring to his political career). Numerous individuals place wreaths at Atatürk’s monuments and fly Turkish flags from their windows.
Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2017 | Fri | 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | National holiday |
2018 | Sat | 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | National holiday |
2019 | Sun | 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | National holiday |
2020 | Tue | 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | National holiday |
2021 | Wed | 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | National holiday |
2022 | Per | 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | National holiday |
2023 | Thu | 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | National holiday |
2024 | Sun | 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | National holiday |
2025 | Mon | 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | National holiday |
2026 | Tue | 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | National holiday |
2027 | Wed | 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | National holiday |
VICTORY DAY IN TURKEY (AUG 30)
Turkey celebrates Victory Day with military parades and festivities at monuments to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. On this day, Turkish flags are frequently displayed in shops, public buildings, and private residences.
Is Victory Day a Public Holiday?
Victory Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
What Do People Do?
Many Turks celebrate Victory Day by attending military parades that take place in many of the country’s major cities. The day is celebrated by air forces with demonstration flights. Typically, the jets involved in such flights leave a red-and-white trail, which represents the Turkish flag.
Residents and business owners adorn their storefronts with Turkish flags and portraits of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. An official ceremony is held at the Mausoleum of Atatürk in Ankara. On this date, all promotions within the Turkish Armed Forces take place, and military schools perform their yearly graduation ceremonies.
Turkey Victory Day (Oct 29)
On October 29, many people in Turkey commemorate Republic Day by going to performances and taking part in traditional processions that feature flags and musical ensembles. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, decreed that Republic Day would be the country’s most significant holiday.
Republic Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
In 2022, it falls on a Saturday, and some businesses may choose to follow Saturday opening hours.
What Do people Do?
On October 29, many people flock to local stadiums to witness performances commemorating Turkey’s Republic Day. These kind of performances typically include theater sketches, poetry readings, and traditional Turkish dances. Many students take part in school presentations for parents and teachers. On this day, some cities may hold parades and officials may deliver public statements. Many people also place wreaths at Atatürk’s monuments or visit his mausoleum in Ankara, Turkey’s capital.
To honor Republic Day in Turkey, several cities hold traditional processions with flags and musical bands in the evening of October 29. The processions are frequently followed by fireworks, which start after dark.
