Turkey Holidays

Turkey Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Turkey? All public holidays in Turkey are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Turkey employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Turkey and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Public holidays in Turkey reflect a blend of the country’s history, religious traditions, and cultural values. These holidays are categorized into two main types: national holidays and religious holidays. National holidays are celebrated by all citizens, regardless of their religion, while religious holidays are rooted in Islam, which is the predominant religion in Turkey.

National Holidays in Turkey

National holidays in Turkey commemorate important historical events, particularly those related to the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. These holidays foster national unity and are celebrated with various public events, including official ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances.

1. New Year’s Day (Yılbaşı) – January 1

According to themakeupexplorer.com, New Year’s Day is one of the few globally recognized holidays celebrated in Turkey. Although it does not carry the same cultural significance as other Turkish national holidays, it is a day off for most of the country, marked by family gatherings and special meals.

• Date: January 1
• Celebrations: Families gather, and there are parties, fireworks, and festive decorations, particularly in larger cities like Istanbul and Ankara.

2. National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) – April 23

This holiday commemorates the establishment of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1920, a significant event in Turkey’s War of Independence. It is also celebrated as a special day for children, emphasizing their role in the nation’s future.

• Date: April 23
• Significance: Honors the founding of the Turkish Parliament.
• Celebrations: Schools organize events where children perform songs, dances, and poems. Parades are held, and children are often given the symbolic role of “leading” the country for the day.

3. Labor and Solidarity Day (Emek ve Dayanışma Günü) – May 1

Labor Day, observed on May 1, celebrates the contribution of workers to the economy. Though the holiday has its origins in socialist and labor movements, it is recognized as a public holiday in Turkey, and trade unions often hold demonstrations and events to highlight labor rights.

• Date: May 1
• Significance: Highlights labor rights and workers’ contributions.
• Celebrations: Public demonstrations, especially in larger cities, although these are sometimes met with restrictions or clashes with authorities.

4. Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı) – May 19

May 19 commemorates the day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, landed in Samsun to start the Turkish War of Independence in 1919. The day is also dedicated to Turkish youth and sports.

• Date: May 19
• Significance: Honors Atatürk and Turkey’s youth.
• Celebrations: Sports events and youth activities are organized throughout the country, and there are speeches honoring Atatürk.

5. Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı) – August 30

Victory Day celebrates the decisive Battle of Dumlupınar in 1922, which led to the end of the Turkish War of Independence. The day is a tribute to the Turkish Armed Forces and their role in safeguarding the country.

• Date: August 30
• Significance: Celebrates the Turkish military victory over Greek forces.
• Celebrations: Military parades, particularly in major cities, along with speeches and commemorations of veterans.

6. Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı) – October 29

Republic Day marks the official proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. It is one of the most important national holidays, as it signifies the birth of the modern Turkish state.

• Date: October 29
• Significance: Celebrates the founding of the Turkish Republic.
• Celebrations: Parades, fireworks, and public events take place across the country, particularly in the capital, Ankara. Cultural events and concerts are also common.

Religious Holidays in Turkey

Religious holidays in Turkey follow the Islamic lunar calendar, and their dates vary from year to year. These holidays are based on significant events in the Islamic faith and are observed by the majority of the population.

1. Ramadan (Ramazan) and Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı)

Ramadan (Ramazan)

Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, reflection, and prayer for Muslims. It lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon, and is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and charity. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.

• Date: 9th month of the Islamic calendar (varies each year).
• Significance: A month of fasting, prayer, and community.
• Celebrations: The focus is on spiritual purification, charity, and family gatherings. Mosques hold special prayers called Tarawih each evening.

Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı)

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of Ramadan. It is a joyous celebration where families come together, special foods are prepared, and gifts are exchanged. It is one of the most important religious holidays in Turkey.

• Date: 1st day of Shawwal (varies each year).
• Significance: Celebrates the end of Ramadan.
• Celebrations:
  • Special prayers are held at mosques.
  • Families gather for feasts and give gifts, especially to children.
  • It is customary to visit the graves of loved ones and offer prayers.
  • Charitable giving, known as Zakat al-Fitr, is encouraged.

2. Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı)

Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is the second major Islamic holiday in Turkey. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Muslims who can afford it sacrifice an animal, typically a sheep, goat, or cow, and distribute the meat to family, friends, and the needy.

• Date: 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (varies each year).
• Significance: Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
• Celebrations:
  • Special prayers are held at mosques.
  • The ritual sacrifice of an animal is performed, and the meat is distributed.
  • Families come together for feasts, and it is customary to visit friends and relatives.
  • It is a time of charity, with donations made to the poor.

3. Islamic New Year (Hicri Yılbaşı)

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. While it is not as widely celebrated as other religious holidays in Turkey, it is still a day of reflection for some Muslims.

• Date: 1st day of Muharram (varies each year).
• Significance: Marks the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
• Celebrations: This holiday is often observed with prayers and reflection in Turkey.

4. Mawlid al-Nabi (Mevlid Kandili)

Mawlid al-Nabi, also known as Mevlid Kandili in Turkey, celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. It is a significant religious holiday in Turkey, with mosque services and special prayers.

• Date: 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal (varies each year).
• Significance: Celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
• Celebrations:
  • Mosques hold special prayers and recitations of religious hymns.
  • Families gather for meals, and charitable acts are encouraged.

Additional Observances in Turkey

In addition to official national and religious holidays, there are several observances in Turkey that hold cultural or historical importance. These are not official public holidays but are widely recognized.

1. Atatürk Memorial Day (Atatürk’ü Anma Günü) – November 10

November 10 marks the anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s death in 1938. While not a public holiday, it is a solemn day of remembrance across Turkey. At precisely 9:05 a.m., the time of Atatürk’s passing, the country observes a moment of silence.

• Date: November 10
• Significance: Honors the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
• Celebrations: A moment of silence is observed, and people often visit Atatürk’s mausoleum, Anıtkabir, in Ankara.

2. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day

• Mother’s Day (Anneler Günü): Celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
• Father’s Day (Babalar Günü): Celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
• These days are widely observed, with families honoring parents through gifts, flowers, and special meals.