Holidays in Turkey

• 2025
• 2026

Public holidays, or official holidays as they are called in Turkey (Türkiye), are spread throughout the year and mark national holidays, including general and religious events.

There are nine public holidays in Turkey. Many shops, attractions, and businesses in Istanbul, Ankara, and Turkey’s other cities with heavy tourist traffic stay open during official holidays. However, visitors should check opening times before visiting on these days, as some places have reduced hours while others may not open at all. Public transport services might also be reduced.

Although Turkey is a secular country, Islam plays a significant role in its people’s lives. According to government statistics, over 90% of the population identifies as Muslim. Within this context, two holidays are particularly important: Republic Day, a national holiday, and Ramazan Bayramı, a major religious observance.

Unlike some Muslim-majority countries governed by Sharia law, Turkey does not observe Friday as a day off. Instead, the workweek runs from Monday to Friday, a practice rooted in the country’s secular constitution, which defines Turkey as a democratic and non-religious state.

Below is a complete list of public holidays in Turkey to help you plan your visit or schedule.

New Year (Yılbaşı) is held on January 1. Despite Islamic traditions, many families put up a tree and anticipate Santa Claus (Noel Baba) to bring gifts.

Large cities display municipal trees, street decorations, and New Year's Eve fireworks. The main events take place in Istanbul.

A festive table with abundant Turkish food, especially sweets and pastries, is common during Yılbaşı. Nevertheless, unlike the European New Year, Yılbaşı is celebrated more quietly.

As the holy month of Ramadan is approaching, Muslims in Turkey eagerly anticipate one of the most significant religious holidays, Eid al-Fitr, or Ramazan Bayramı. This special time of year is characterised by joyous festivities and feasts that last three days. Families come together to honour the end of a month-long fast.

In Turkey, the holiday is also referred to as the Sugar Feast (Şeker Bayramı). Sweets are served everywhere. Traditional delicacies such as baklava and güllaç are increasingly popular during the holiday. Children often receive money or gifts from their elders. In addition, Ramazan Bayramı is a time for acts of charity and supporting those in need.

April 23, 1920, marks the founding of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in Ankara. A few days later, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was elected as the first president of the Turkish Republic. His achievements included the victory over the Sultan’s government, the defeat of external enemies, and the establishment of a secular government free from religious influence.

Since Atatürk dedicated the republic to children, the holiday became known as Children’s Day as well. Schoolchildren symbolically take seats in Parliament and participate in various festivals on this day, often concluding with a gala concert. Furthermore, the day is held at schools, where children perform, sing, dance, and read poems.

Labour and Solidarity Day in Turkey, or May Day, is an exciting occasion for all workers across Turkey. The labour unions, political parties, and non-governmental organisations typically organise large rallies and demonstrations.

The joyful celebration is often followed by concerts that begin in the afternoon and continue into the night. Participants march, sing, and chant slogans.

Labour Day, globally recognised as International Workers’ Day, is an important holiday acknowledging workers’ contributions to the development and progress of Turkish society.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was a revolutionary leader who spearheaded Turkey’s struggle for independence. This national day, which honours his legacy, is dedicated to young people who participate in sporting and cultural activities throughout the country.

A key symbol of May 19 is the boat. One will see boats everywhere, along with the Turkish flag and images of Atatürk. There is a meaningful story behind this tradition.

In response to the decision to partition the territories of the fallen Ottoman Empire, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk initiated the Turkish War of Independence. This pivotal moment was marked by his arrival at the Black Sea port of Samsun on May 19, 1919. By his wishes, May 19 was declared Youths and Sports Day.

Before the May 19 commemorations, young Turkish athletes usually run a 10-day marathon from Samsun to Ankara, carrying the national flag. The marathon concludes with the president accepting the flag during a ceremony on May 19. The day is full of sports events, and people place flowers at Atatürk’s monuments.

In Turkish, the Festival of Sacrifice is hailed Kurban Bayramı. It is a religious holiday commemorating Ibrahim’s (Abraham) devotion to God, demonstrated by his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishak (Isaac).

“It feels like a holiday today’ is a phrase often said by the Turkish people on the day of Eid al-Adha, held on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (according to the Islamic Hijri calendar), which lasts three days. This is also a time when the Islamic world starts an annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Turks rejoice over Ibrahim’s faithfulness to Allah (God) and, following his example, sacrifice cattle or sheep as a symbolic act of worship, submission, and faith in God. The act of animal sacrifice emphasises cooperation and charity among Muslims. One third of the meat from the sacrificed animal is distributed to the poor and needy.

On the first day, major mosques in the cities are crowded with worshippers wearing traditional clothing and performing the Eid-al-Adha prayer. In the following days, Turkish people visit one another, cook meat, and celebrate until midnight. Children have fun on the street, spending the pocket money they receive from their elders.

Democracy and National Unity Day commemorates those who lost their lives in the 2016 failed coup in the attempt to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. After preventing the military coup on July 15, 2016, the Turkish Parliament declared the day Democracy and National Unity Day.

Activities include speeches, poetry recitals, film screenings, and theatre performances. Officials visit cemeteries to lay flowers on the graves of martyrs. Veterans are visited and presented with gifts.

The Democracy and National Unity Day aims to refresh the memory of the 2016 events, promote democracy, and express gratitude to those who defended national unity and resisted the coup.

Zafer Bayramı (Victory Holiday) is an annual public holiday in Turkey held on August 30 that honours the Turkish Armed Forces and commemorates the victory in the Battle of Dumlupınar. In 1922, Turkish forces took over Greek soldiers who had crossed the Turkish border.

The Greco-Turkish War of 1919–1922 ended with Turkey’s victory, leading to the establishment of Victory Day. The defeat of the Greek forces is credited to Atatürk, as he initiated the struggle for independence that ultimately led to a decisive victory.

Each year on August 30, the government organises many activities, such as informative short videos, visual artworks, exhibitions, and concerts.

The day commences with the President paying a visit to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Then, it is followed by a ceremony at the Presidential Complex and a march to the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The evening starts with a festive program at the presidential complex, featuring a memorable program dominated by military symbolism.

Cumhuriyet Bayramı (Republic Day in Turkish) commemorates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923. A hallmark of the day is a parade. The magnificent parade inspires enthusiasm and the spirit of unity.

Various groups, including non-governmental organisations, associations, schools, and military units, sing and march through the streets carrying Turkish flags and Atatürk posters. The rest of the day is loaded with conferences, theatre and dance performances, and Republic exhibitions. Istanbul hosts one of the largest and most beautiful fireworks displays over the Bosphorus to mark the occasion.

School Holidays

School semester dates vary annually and may differ from school to school. Private schools usually have different term dates.

Typically, the school year consists of three terms, with short midterm (half-term) breaks and a longer break over the summer:

• Summer holiday: early June to September (two and a half months)
• Autumn half-term: a one-week break in mid-November
• Winter half-term break: a two-week break in January (January 20–31, 2025)
• Spring half-term: late March to early April (March 31–April 4, 2025)

Republic Day of Turkey and Closures

Republic Day on October 29 is the time of year when Turkish citizens unite in patriotic fervour. Banks, government offices, schools, and universities are closed, but chemist's remain open to serve the public. Popular shopping destinations in Istanbul, such as the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, malls, shops, and restaurants, will operate as usual.

Although some roads and avenues may be closed to accommodate parade preparations, public transportation in Ankara and Istanbul is free, making it easier to get around.

Visitors planning to explore attractions should confirm their opening hours in advance, as their schedules may vary on this national day.

Religious Holidays in Turkey and Closures

During Ramazan Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı, public and governmental institutions across Turkey suspend operations. Many chain markets close on the first day of the festivals, resuming activity the following day. Banks remain shuttered throughout the holidays, and iconic landmarks, such as the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, pause their bustling trade. However, chemist's operate on a rotational schedule. For visitors, most museums and historical sites remain open.

Things to Do in Turkey on Official Holidays

Public holidays in Turkey provide an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the country’s culture, from exploring its top attractions suited for families and solo travellers alike.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Istanbul is an exceptional experience. Whether enjoying a luxurious dinner with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, dining at a top-tier restaurant, or aboard a cruise ship with live music and dazzling fireworks, one is guaranteed unforgettable moments to welcome the year ahead.

Istanbul also thrives during Ramazan Bayramı, particularly as a hub for shopping. On the first morning of the holiday, mosques fill with worshippers while locals exchange visits, buy gifts, and indulge in sweet treats.

Spring and summer bring a vibrant calendar of Turkish festivals. Among the most colourful is Hıdırellez, a spring festival in early May. The Izmir International Culture and Art Festival (Uluslararası İzmir Festivali) is a month-long event in July that draws world-renowned artists and thousands of tourists.

As the year winds down, Turkey offers unique ways to celebrate Christmas and plan festivities for the Christmas and New Year seasons.