Türkiye

Türkiye : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in Turkey

Turkey has a rich cultural heritage reflected in its diverse public holidays. These holidays commemorate important historical events, national pride, and religious celebrations. Many holidays blend secular and religious elements, highlighting Turkey’s unique position between East and West.

• New Year's Day

  • Origin & Meaning: Marks the start of the calendar year.
  • Date & Observance: January 1st; celebrated with festivities, fireworks, family gatherings, and public celebrations.
  • Notable: It is a secular holiday recognized nationwide.

• Eid al-Fitr

  • Origin & Meaning: Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
  • Date & Observance: Varies each year according to the Islamic lunar calendar, usually lasts 3 days. Involves prayer, feasting, charity (Zakat al-Fitr), and visiting relatives.
  • Notable: Multiple days are observed as public holidays in Turkey.

• National Sovereignty and Children's Day

  • Origin & Meaning: Commemorates the foundation of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1920. Dedicated to children as the future of the nation.
  • Date & Observance: April 23rd; features ceremonies, children’s activities, and public events.
  • Notable: Unique focus on children, with schools often organizing special programs.

• Labour and Solidarity Day

  • Origin & Meaning: International Workers' Day honoring labor rights and solidarity.
  • Date & Observance: May 1st; observed with rallies, celebrations, and focus on workers' rights.
  • Notable: A public holiday emphasizing social justice and labor.

• Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day

  • Origin & Meaning: Honors Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s legacy and promotes youth and sports.
  • Date & Observance: May 19th; ceremonies, youth activities, and sports events take place.
  • Notable: Involves nationwide celebrations emphasizing physical activity and patriotism.

• Eid al-Adha

  • Origin & Meaning: Islamic festival commemorating Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
  • Date & Observance: Varies yearly based on the Islamic calendar, typically spans 4 days. Marked by prayer, animal sacrifice (Qurbani), and charity.
  • Notable: It is one of the most important religious festivals in Turkey, often with extended holidays.

• Democracy and National Unity Day

  • Origin & Meaning: Commemorates the resistance against the 2016 coup attempt, celebrating democracy and national unity.
  • Date & Observance: July 15th; marked with ceremonies, speeches, and public remembrance.
  • Notable: A relatively new holiday established to honor democracy defenders.

• Victory Day

  • Origin & Meaning: Celebrates the Turkish victory in the Battle of Dumlupınar in 1922, which was decisive in the War of Independence.
  • Date & Observance: August 30th; military parades and patriotic events occur.
  • Notable: Emphasizes national pride and military strength.

• Republic Day

  • Origin & Meaning: Marks the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
  • Date & Observance: October 29th; celebrated with official ceremonies, fireworks, and public gatherings.
  • Notable: One of the most significant national holidays in Turkey.

Site officiel de référence

• Republic of Turkey - Official Government Portal