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.
January 1: New Year (Yılbaşı)
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.
Date changes: Ramazan Bayramı
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: National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı)
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.
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.
January 1: New Year (Yılbaşı)
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.
Date changes: Ramazan Bayramı
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: National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı)
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.
