Planning your year in Turkey requires understanding the official national public holidays that affect work schedules, business operations, and travel arrangements. In 2026, Turkey observes a mix of secular national holidays and religious celebrations, creating numerous opportunities for rest, family gatherings, and cultural observances. This comprehensive guide covers only confirmed nationwide holidays recognized by the Turkish government under Law No. 2429, ensuring you have accurate information for effective planning throughout the year.
Official Public Holidays in Turkey 2026
Turkey’s public holiday calendar combines historical commemorations with religious observances. Consequently, understanding these dates helps residents and visitors alike navigate school closures, bank holidays, and government office shutdowns. The following table presents all official national public holidays for 2026, formatted for easy reference and planning purposes.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| March 19 (from 13:00) | Thursday | Ramadan Feast Eve (Half-Day) |
| March 20-22 | Friday-Sunday | Ramadan Feast (Ramazan Bayramı) |
| April 23 | Thursday | National Sovereignty and Children’s Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour and Solidarity Day |
| May 19 | Tuesday | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day |
| May 26 (from 13:00) | Tuesday | Sacrifice Feast Eve (Half-Day) |
| May 27-30 | Wednesday-Saturday | Sacrifice Feast (Kurban Bayramı) |
| July 15 | Wednesday | Democracy and National Unity Day |
| August 30 | Sunday | Victory Day |
| October 28 (from 13:00) | Wednesday | Republic Day Eve (Half-Day) |
| October 29 | Thursday | Republic Day |
Understanding Turkey’s Holiday Structure
Turkey’s public holidays fall into three distinct categories that shape the national calendar. First, secular national holidays commemorate significant historical events in Turkey’s modern history, particularly those connected to the founding of the Turkish Republic. Meanwhile, religious holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which means their dates shift approximately 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Additionally, some holidays include “eve days” (arife), which are half-day holidays beginning at 13:00, allowing citizens to prepare for major celebrations.
Secular National Holidays
The secular holidays honor pivotal moments in Turkish history. New Year’s Day kicks off the calendar on January 1, providing citizens with a day of rest and celebration. However, the most significant secular holidays relate to the establishment of the Turkish Republic and the War of Independence. April 23 marks National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, commemorating the founding of the Grand National Assembly in 1920. This date holds special significance as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk dedicated it to children, recognizing them as the future of the nation.
May 1 serves as Labour and Solidarity Day, aligning Turkey with international workers’ rights observances. On the other hand, May 19 celebrates Atatürk’s landing in Samsun in 1919, which sparked the Turkish War of Independence. This day honors both Atatürk’s legacy and the nation’s youth through athletic competitions and patriotic ceremonies. July 15 represents a more recent addition to the calendar, commemorating those who defended democracy during the 2016 coup attempt.
August 30 celebrates Victory Day, marking the decisive Battle of Dumlupınar in 1922 that secured Turkish independence. Military parades and ceremonies throughout the country honor this achievement. Finally, October 29 stands as the most important secular holiday, celebrating the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. The eve of Republic Day begins as a half-day holiday at 13:00 on October 28, extending celebrations across 1.5 days.
Religious Holidays
Religious holidays in Turkey follow the Islamic lunar calendar, creating variable dates each year. Ramadan Feast (Ramazan Bayramı), also known as the Sugar Feast (Şeker Bayramı), marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. In 2026, this celebration begins with a half-day holiday on March 19 at 13:00 and continues through March 22, totaling 3.5 days of official observance. Families exchange visits, children receive gifts and money, and traditional sweets like baklava and Turkish delight appear abundantly.
The Sacrifice Feast (Kurban Bayramı), known internationally as Eid al-Adha, represents the most significant religious holiday in Turkey. Beginning with a half-day on May 26 at 13:00, this celebration extends through May 30, creating a 4.5-day holiday period. This feast commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. Turkish families traditionally sacrifice sheep, goats, or cattle, distributing meat to relatives and the needy. Moreover, this period sees extensive domestic travel as people return to their hometowns for family gatherings.
Planning Tips for 2026
Several holidays in 2026 create excellent opportunities for extended breaks. The Ramadan Feast spanning Friday through Sunday (March 20-22) naturally forms a long weekend when combined with the Thursday eve day. Similarly, Labour Day falling on Friday, May 1, offers potential for a three-day weekend. However, the most strategic planning opportunity comes with Republic Day on Thursday, October 29, which paired with the Wednesday half-day could extend into a weekend getaway.
Travel considerations become crucial during religious holidays. Transportation networks experience peak demand on the first and last days of both Ramadan Feast and Sacrifice Feast as millions travel to family homes or vacation destinations. Booking flights and accommodation well in advance proves essential during these periods. Furthermore, many businesses close on the first day of religious feasts, though most reopen for the remaining days. Banks remain closed throughout entire holiday periods, so cash planning becomes necessary.
For international visitors, timing your trip around these holidays requires careful thought. Museums and historical sites generally maintain regular hours, though the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar in Istanbul close during religious holidays. On the positive side, experiencing holidays in Turkey offers unique cultural insights—from the communal prayers of religious feasts to the patriotic displays of secular celebrations. Comparing times across different timezones worldwide helps international travelers coordinate their arrival with holiday schedules.
Half-Day Holidays Explained
Turkey’s half-day holidays represent a unique feature of the national calendar. These “eve days” (arife) begin at 13:00 on the day preceding major religious holidays and Republic Day. Employees working after 13:00 on these days receive additional compensation equal to half a day’s wages, bringing their total pay to one full day’s wage for that date. This arrangement allows people to complete morning work while providing afternoon time for travel and preparation.
The half-day structure particularly benefits families preparing for multi-day celebrations. March 19, May 26, and October 28 all function as half-day holidays in 2026, giving people several hours to shop, travel, or complete household preparations before the main festivities begin. Businesses must comply with these regulations, though specific arrangements may vary in the private sector depending on employment contracts.
Work and Business Implications
Understanding how holidays affect business operations proves essential for both employers and employees. Government offices, schools, and banks close completely on all full-day public holidays. Private sector businesses maintain more flexibility, though many follow government holiday schedules. During religious feast periods, most retail stores close only on the first day, reopening for the remainder of the celebration to accommodate holiday shoppers.
Employers cannot force employees to work on official holidays without their consent, except where employment contracts specify otherwise. Workers who do work on public holidays must receive double pay—their regular daily wage plus an additional full day’s wage. This requirement applies to both full-day and half-day holidays, with proportional compensation for the latter. Timer tools can help businesses track precise working hours during these transitional periods.
Cultural Significance and Traditions
Each holiday carries distinct traditions that enrich Turkish cultural life. National Sovereignty and Children’s Day transforms April 23 into a nationwide celebration of youth, with schools organizing performances and the Grand National Assembly symbolically “given” to children. Families attend festivals and parades, reinforcing the importance of future generations in national identity.
Religious holidays emphasize family bonds and charitable giving. During Ramadan Feast, children dressed in their finest clothes visit neighbors and relatives, receiving candy, sweets, and small amounts of money. The phrase “Bayramınız mübarek olsun” (May your holiday be blessed) echoes throughout communities. Meanwhile, the Sacrifice Feast focuses on acts of charity, with families distributing meat to those in need and strengthening community ties through shared meals.
Republic Day showcases national pride through flag displays, concerts, and official ceremonies at Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s mausoleum in Ankara. Cities illuminate public buildings and monuments, while military parades demonstrate Turkey’s strength and unity. These celebrations reinforce collective identity and gratitude for the republic’s establishment. For more detailed guides on Turkish culture and time-related topics, visitors can explore comprehensive resources that enhance their understanding of local customs.
Important Reminders
Several key points deserve emphasis for effective holiday planning. First, this article includes only nationwide public holidays recognized across all of Turkey. Regional observances, local festivals, and commemorative days that are not official holidays have been deliberately excluded to maintain focus on dates affecting work and official business.
Second, religious holiday dates depend on moon sightings as determined by Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet). While the dates presented here reflect official government announcements and astronomical calculations, minor adjustments of one day remain theoretically possible. However, such changes occur rarely in modern practice due to advanced astronomical prediction.
Third, when holidays fall on weekends, Turkey does not typically provide substitute weekday holidays. For instance, Victory Day falls on Sunday, August 30, 2026, and no compensatory day off is granted. This practice differs from some countries that offer “in lieu” holidays for weekend observances.
Conclusion
Turkey’s 2026 public holiday calendar offers numerous opportunities for rest, celebration, and cultural participation. From the joyous family gatherings of religious feasts to the patriotic commemorations of national holidays, each observance contributes to Turkey’s rich cultural tapestry. Planning around these dates ensures smooth travel arrangements, effective work scheduling, and meaningful participation in national life.
Whether you’re a resident organizing your year or a visitor timing your trip, this comprehensive list of official national holidays provides the foundation for successful planning. Remember to check specific business hours during holiday periods, book travel early for feast days, and embrace the opportunity to experience Turkish culture at its most celebratory. For the most current information on holiday schedules and time-related planning tools, visit our main public holidays page regularly throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Turkey 2026?
Turkey recognizes 11 full-day national holidays plus 3 half-day holidays in 2026. The nationwide holidays include New Year’s Day, Ramadan Feast (3 days), National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, Labour Day, Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day, Sacrifice Feast (4 days), Democracy and National Unity Day, Victory Day, and Republic Day. Half-day holidays occur on the eve days of Ramadan Feast, Sacrifice Feast, and Republic Day, beginning at 13:00.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays offer long weekend opportunities in 2026. Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, creating a natural three-day weekend. The Ramadan Feast spans Friday through Sunday (March 20-22) when combined with the Thursday half-day. Republic Day on Thursday, October 29, preceded by the Wednesday half-day, could extend into a weekend break. However, Victory Day falls on Sunday, August 30, providing no additional time off.
Are any holidays subject to change in Turkey?
Secular national holidays have fixed dates that do not change. However, religious holidays (Ramadan Feast and Sacrifice Feast) technically depend on moon sightings by the Presidency of Religious Affairs. While the dates listed reflect official government announcements based on astronomical calculations, theoretical adjustments of one day remain possible. In modern practice, such changes occur very rarely due to precise astronomical prediction methods.
Do businesses close during public holidays in Turkey?
Government offices, schools, and banks close completely on all public holidays. Private sector businesses have more flexibility, though many follow government schedules. During religious feast periods, most retail stores close only on the first day, reopening for subsequent days. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar in Istanbul close throughout religious holidays, while most museums and tourist attractions maintain regular hours.
How do half-day holidays work in Turkey?
Half-day holidays (eve days) begin at 13:00 on the day before major religious holidays and Republic Day. Employees working after 13:00 on these days receive additional compensation equal to half a day’s wages, totaling one full day’s pay. These half-day holidays occur on March 19, May 26, and October 28 in 2026, allowing people time to prepare for upcoming celebrations.
Can employers require employees to work on public holidays?
No, employers cannot force employees to work on official public holidays without their consent, unless employment contracts specifically stipulate otherwise. Employees who do work on public holidays must receive double pay—their regular daily wage plus an additional full day’s wage. This legal protection ensures fair compensation for holiday work while respecting workers’ rights to observe national celebrations.