Turkey Calendar in 2025 - Full List of Public Holidays, Religious Days And Celebrations

An Overview of Hlidays in Turkey

Holidays in Turkey

Holidays in Turkey constitute an integral aspect of cultural identity. Turkey categorizes official holidays into two types: religious holidays and public holidays, akin to many nations worldwide.

A national holiday in Turkey is rooted in the nation's history and culture. Furthermore, the majority of public (national) holidays stem from the Turkish Republic (1923), while a religious holiday is celebrated in accordance with the Islamic faith. Irrespective of their classification as religious or public holidays, there will be some form of national celebration and observance. Consequently, banks, offices, and businesses may be closed, resulting in increased traffic congestion.

Learn more: Is Turkey In Europe Or Asia: A Transcontinental Country

Holiday Hours of Operation

Museums, archaeological sites, and most other attractions that attract foreign visitors keep their regular hours even on national civil (i.e., non-religious) holidays, when government and corporate offices close.

Ramazan Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı, the two main Islamic holidays, are the only exception. First day of these holidays museums are closed for morning, but second day they reopen after lunch and work normally. Before you make any plans, phone the museum to find out, because it might depend on the type of museum you visit.

Public Holidays in Turkey

Offices, banks, and the majority of companies in Turkey will be closed on public holidays because they are official holidays. Additionally, a half-day holiday is sometimes required in Turkey in the days leading up to holidays.

• January 1st, New Year's Day: Turks celebrate New Year's on January 1, but most people will party and enjoy the day before because there are so many events and parties at night. Also, companies and cities will start decorating a month early.

• April 23rd, National Sovereignty and Children's Day: Children's Day got its name because Atatürk gave children all over the world a gift on this day. A week in advance, children plan poetry and events celebrating the significance of Children's Day and National Sovereignty, and schools and streets are decorated. Banks, government agencies, and other offices may close, but overall life is not greatly impacted.

• May 1st, Labor and Solidarity Day: Since today is an official holiday, the majority of federal buildings as well as some private businesses will be closed. There's not much to see, but it's vital to know that employees may stage protests. It is therefore advised to stay away from well-known locations and areas close to governmental buildings.

• May 19th, Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day: On the anniversary of Atatürk's 1919 landing in Samsun, which launched Turkey's national liberation movement, its youth are honored. Gymnastics festivals and sporting events will take place nationwide, with memorials at Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's mausoleum, Anıtkabir. Turkish festivals are lively, so attend one if you can.

• July 15th, Democracy and National Unity Day: This new Turkish public holiday commemorates national sovereignty and unity against the 2016 democratic coup attempt. On July 15th, events will take place at Kızılay National Will Square in Ankara and the July 15th Martyrs Bridge in Istanbul. Plan your route around these areas to avoid traffic.

• August 30th, Victory Day: The Turkish Independence War came to a close in 1922 with the decisive combat at Dumlupınar, which is commemorated on Victory Day. The Anıtkabir is the major venue for Victory Day celebrations and events.

• October 28th–29th, Republic Day: Republic Day is marked on October 29 to remember the day that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk made Turkey a republic, replacing the constitution of the Ottoman Empire, and becoming the country's first president. On October 28, the day before Republic Day, there is a half-day break for everyone.

Learn more: Turkey National Anthem: English Translation, Original Lyrics And History

Islamic Religious Holidays in Turkey

The most significant religious holidays in Turkey are Ramazan Bayramı (also known as Ramadan), which falls on the last day of the holy month of Ramadan, and Kurban Bayramı (also known as the Sacrifice Feast). These two holidays have different dates in the Common Era calendar every year because they are observed in accordance with the conventional Islamic Hijri lunar calendar.

• Ramadan Feast: Ramazan Bayramı, also known as Şeker Bayramı, is the most significant religious holiday in Islam. It occurs three days after Ramadan, the blessed month of fasting and feasting for Muslims. This holiday closes government offices and most businesses for three days and the half-day before the celebration.

• Kurban Bayramı (Sacrifice Feast): Ibrahim's commitment to God is honored at the Islamic Sacrifice Feast. Families eat and donate sacrificed animal meat. Turkey's official holiday lasts four and a half days, with most people returning home and leaving cities deserted. Flights, buses, and trains are expensive and crowded, so avoid them. Most road accidents occur on the first day of Sacrifice Holiday when people return home.

Full List of Public Holidays, Religious Days And Observances in Turkey for 2025

1 Jan Wednesday New Year's Day, National holiday

As part of the festivities that begin on New Year's Eve and culminate with the midnight hour on January 1st, Turkey observes New Year's Day as a national holiday.

To some, New Year's Day means making a fresh start and making resolutions, while to others it means getting back to the grind after a wild night out with loved ones.

The Western calendar was not adopted by Turkey until 1926, and the first of January was not declared a public holiday there until 1935. However, Turkish culture is rich with many long-standing New Year's traditions.

The Turkish New Year and New Year's Eve celebrations are more akin to the Western Christmas traditions. Lights, ornaments, "New Year's trees," and yes, even Santa Claus will be present. However, the festivities also include the lighting of fireworks.

During the New Year's Eve exchange, it is common practice to give someone a lottery ticket for the Milli Piyango drawing, which is televised just before midnight. Massive numbers of people purchase tickets, and the entire world watches to see the outcome.

1 Mar Saturday Ramadan Start (Tentative Date) Observance

The ninth month in the Islamic calendar is called Ramadan, sometimes referred to as Ramadhan or Ramzan. Muslims all across the world dedicate this time to prayer, fasting, charitable giving, and religious observance. Since it marks the occasion when the Prophet Muhammad (also known as Muhammad or Muhammad) received the first revelations of the Koran (also known as the Qu'ran), the final third of Ramadan is especially sacred.

Despite being a working day, Saturday, March 1, 2025, is when Ramadan begins. In Turkey, most companies operate during regular business hours.

20 Mar Thursday March Equinox Season

29 Mar Saturday, Ramadan Feast Eve/Ramazan Bayramı, Half Day

On the eve of Ramadan, a lot of Turkish people prepare traditional Ramadan desserts and change out their wardrobes. It's also a time to honor and remember the deceased.

Despite being a working day, Saturday, March 29, 2025, is Ramadan Feast Eve. In Turkey, most companies operate during regular business hours.

30 Mar Sunday, Ramadan Feast, National holiday

Families get together during the Ramadan Feast in nations like Turkey to participate in activities like sharing special meals.

Turkish Eid al-Fitr is called “Ramazan Bayrami” and begins at sunset on Ramadan's last day. Because of all the candy and sweets eaten after fasting, the holiday is also called “Sheker Bayrami” (Sugar Festival).

Ramazan Bayramı is a valid public holiday lasting three days. In other countries, people attend Eid prayers on the morning of the first of Shawwal, wear new clothes, give children small gifts, visit friends and relatives, send Eid greeting cards, and have large family feasts.

People call Eid al-Fitr the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” Fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan ("Sawm") is one of Islam's five pillars. Muslims believe Muhammad received the Qur'an during Ramadan.

Muslims pray "Salat Al Eid" on Eid Al-Fitr. The Eid call to prayer is silent. Muslims pray two "Rakat" prayers in mosques or open spaces. After prayers, the imam preaches for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for all.

Wearing new clothes, eating a date, and saying a takbeer on the way to the mosque are traditions.

Giving money to the poor (known as 'Zakat al-Fitr', depending on possessions), sending Eid greetings, and feasting with families are also important parts of Eid.

Many Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr to thank Allah for his strength and guidance during Ramadan to practice self-control.

Muslims greet this day with "Eid Mubarak," Arabic for "blessed festival."After Eid Mubarak, say "Khair Mubarak" to wish the greeter well.

First Eid al-Fitr was celebrated in 624 CE by Muhammad and his companions after their victory in Jang-e-Badar, a turning point in Muhammad's struggle with the Quraish in Mecca.

The Turkic word for holiday, Bairam, is also used to refer to Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Adha, the holier Islamic festival, is the 'Greater Bairam', which is why it is called lesser.

Ramadan Bayrami closes government offices, schools, post offices, banks, and some supermarkets for three days.

Transportation in Turkey on the first and last days of Ramazan is hectic as people head home or to hotels/beaches.

Holidays in Istanbul include free public transportation. Public buses, trains, metrobuses, trams, funiculars, and ferries are covered.

31 Mar Monday Ramadan Feast Holiday (Tentative Date) National holiday

1 Apr Tuesday Ramadan Feast Holiday (Tentative Date) National holiday

23 Apr Wednesday, 23 Nisan/National Sovereignty and Children's Day, National holiday

National Sovereignty and Children's Day

National Sovereignty and Children's Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) is a national holiday in Turkey, celebrated annually on April 23rd. "23 Nisan" commemorates the 1920 opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in Ankara.

Schoolchildren sing and dance in sports fields across Turkey for a week to celebrate National Sovereignty and Children's Day, culminating in a large performance in Istanbul's national soccer stadium. Parents give their children toys and sweets as gifts.

Children rule Türkiye for the day, a unique way to celebrate. Ataturk started a tradition in 1933 where children replace Grand National Assembly members and hold a special session to discuss children's issues and sign educational or environmental executive orders. Children from poor families and orphanages are educated.

Internationalization has been sought since UNICEF recognized the day in 1979. Many countries send groups of children to celebrate their culture and attend the children's Grand National Assembly. Children celebrate cultural differences in stadium-sized ceremonies. Kids can share poems, songs, folk dances, and scientific collaborations.

Public holidays close government offices and schools. Street performances may change public transport routes, so expect heavy traffic.

1 May Thursday Labor and Solidarity Day, National holiday

Turkey celebrates Labour Day on 1 May, as does much of the world. This holiday honors workers' contributions to the economy and society and highlights the need for fair and safe working conditions.

Labor and trade union protests are common in Turkey on 1 May. Protesters who enter government-designated areas will be removed by police. Buses sometimes change routes to avoid protests.

Those uninterested in politics and labor protests can relax at home. They may also picnic as a family. Special speeches and events will air on TV.

Turkey first declared Labour Day a public holiday in 1923. But in 1925, the holiday was banned because of violent protests in its first two years in Turkey. Spring and Flowers Day returned in 1935. Labour Day protests in Taksim Square were banned in 1976 after a bloody protest. The holiday was banned again in 1981. It returned as “Labour and Solidarity Day” in 2009.

19 May Monday, Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, National holiday

An annual national holiday in Turkey, Atatürk'ü Anma, Gençlik ve spor Bayramı is also celebrated on May 19th and is also called Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.

This celebration marks the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence, which began on May 19, 1919, when Mustafa Kemal landed at Samsun, a city on the Black Sea.

Many sporting events are hosted and attended by large crowds all over the nation on Youth and Sports Day. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the country's independence leader, is also the center of attention during these patriotic celebrations.

The Black Sea port of Samsun is the starting point of a marathon run by young athletes representing Turkey approximately ten days prior to May 19th. It was in that city that the independence movement of Ataturk was initiated. On May 19, the Turkish president will receive the flag as it is carried to Ankara, the capital city.

People from all walks of life are welcome to participate in smaller marathons and other open-to-the-public sporting events.

Even though nobody knows when Ataturk was actually born, some people celebrate May 19 as if it were his birthday. Flags fly from building to building and wreaths are placed at Ataturk monuments.

6 Jun to 9 Jun, Kurban Bayramı/Feast of Sacrifice, National Holidays

Foods for Kurban Bayramı in Turkey

What is known as Eid al-Adha in most Muslim countries is often called “Kurban Bayrami” in Turkey. It is also known as the “feast of sacrifice”.

Kurban Bayrami is the Muslim holiday that looks back to the time, according to the Koran, when Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ishmael. It is said that Ibrahim went to do it but was prevented by Allah at the last moment. Muslims celebrate Ibrahim willingness to obey Allah in even such an extreme test.

On the first day of the Sacrifice Feast in Turkey, men from each family traditionally go to the mosque for a special morning prayer. In some parts of the nation, the sacrificed goat is henna-painted and adorned with ribbons. In recent years, some Turkish people have started making donations to charity organizations instead of sacrificing animals.

People usually wear their best clothes during the Sacrifice Feast. They welcome guests to their homes or visit relatives and friends during the holiday. Young people greet their older relatives and neighbours by kissing their hands as a sign of respect. Some people in Turkey even use the holiday period to go on a vacation.

Travelling on the first and last days of Kurban Bayram can be very hectic and roads are busy as everyone either heads to their family home or escapes to a hotel/beach.

5 Jun Thursday Sacrifice Feast Eve (Tentative Date) Half Day

6 Jun Friday Sacrifice Feast (Tentative Date) National holiday

7 Jun Saturday Sacrifice Feast Holiday (Tentative Date) National holiday

8 Jun Sunday Sacrifice Feast Holiday (Tentative Date) National holiday

9 Jun Monday Sacrifice Feast Holiday (Tentative Date) National holiday

21 Jun Saturday June Solstice Season

15 Jul Tuesday, Democracy and National Unity Day, National holiday

Every 15 July is Democracy and National Solidarity Day in Turkey, which is a public holiday. It was named just last year, after a failed coup attempt by some members of the Turkish Armed Forces on that same date.

A part of the army rebelled and tried to take over parts of Ankara, the capital city, as well as parts of other cities. Even though President Erdogan was on vacation when the revolt happened, it still didn't work.

Most of the army and all of the national police stayed with the government, and within a day, the rebels started to give up. After the coup, there was a purge in the military, police, and civil services to get rid of people who were thought to be supporting the rebels.

In December 2016, not long after the failed coup that tried to remove him from power, President Erdogan made July 15th Democracy and National Solidarity Day, also known as Democracy and Freedom Day.

On this day, there will be special memorial services for the soldiers, police officers, and other people who helped put down the coup but were killed in the process. It's clear that this is a controversial holiday, since some people in Turkey supported the rebels while the majority seemed to back the government that was in power.

30 Aug Saturday, Victory Day, National holiday

Ataturk commanding his troops at the Battle of Dumlupınar. Image by Mustafa Sururi Taylan

Turkey celebrates Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı) on August 30 every year as a national holiday. Another name for it might be Armed Forces Day. Victory Day honors the outcome of the battle that decided the Turkish War of Independence in 1922: the Battle of Dumlupınar.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the man who founded modern Turkey, is also honored on this day.

Victory Day is observed in the northern region of Cyprus as well as throughout Turkey. It is a celebration of the Turkish republic and military. The primary festivities take place at the Mausoleum of Atatürk in Ankara.

All military promotions are given out during a ceremony at the War Academy in Istanbul on this day, which also sees marches taking place in the nation's largest cities.

Vatan Avenue in Istanbul is the venue of a large military procession that includes hundreds of servicemen marching in formation with military vehicles.

Banks, council offices and the Turkish stock exchange will be closed on Victory Day.

22 Sep Monday September Equinox Season

28 Oct Tuesday Republic Day Eve Half Day

29 Oct Wednesday Republic Day, National holiday

Turkey celebrates Republic Day, also known as Cumhuriyet Bayramı, on October 29 every year. It's Turkey's National Day. There is also a holiday on October 28 in the afternoon.

The celebration honors the October 29, 1923, declaration of the Turkish republic.

The holiday begins at 1:00 pm on October 28 and lasts for 35 hours. Parades, torchlight processions, and musical performances commemorate the republic's founding.

Visitors can visit Atatürk's mausoleum in Ankara, the nation's capital, or leave wreaths at the numerous statues of the leader scattered throughout the nation. In addition, crowds assemble in stadiums and on public streets to celebrate, and customarily, they take part in evening parades.

In Turkey, public transportation typically operates on Saturdays, just like it does on other national holidays. The Turkish stock exchange, along with the majority of companies, banks, council offices, and schools, will be closed.

Public transport is free on Republic Day in Istanbul.

10 Nov Monday Ataturk Commemoration Day, Observance

Ataturk Commemoration Day is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday, 10 November 2024 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in Turkey.

21 Dec Sunday December Solstice Season

31 Dec Wednesday New Year's Eve Observance

In Turkey, New Year's Eve is one of the most celebrated holidays. In this nation, New Year's Eve customs include a countdown to midnight, a national lottery drawing, and a family meal. The Gregorian calendar has December 31 as New Year's Eve.

There is no public holiday on New Year's Eve. Companies open for business during regular hours.

Islamic Calendar in 2025: Important Dates, Holidays, Observances and Celebrations Let's examine the complete schedule of Islamic festivals, popular events, and religious days for 2025.

Jewish Calendar in 2025: Important Dates, Holidays, Observances and Celebrations Take a look at the complete list of Jewish holidays that will be observed in 2025, as well as the most well-known festivals and celebrations.

Canada Calendar in October 2024 - Full List of National Holidays, Observations And Special Days Canadians celebrate a wide variety of holidays, special occasions, observations, and international events during the month of October, a celebration that mirrors the rich cultural ...

India Calendar in October 2024: Full List of National Holidays And Special Days People from all walks of life will gather in October 2024 to respect and celebrate the country's rich traditions and heritage. Take a look at ...

France Calendar in 2025 - Full List of Public Holidays And Observances: Dates and Celebrations The abundance of French public holidays allows for plenty of downtime, festivity, and vacation time. Here you may find a list of all the French ...