FAQ About Holidays In Turkey
What are the public holidays and festivals in Turkey?
New Year's Day (Yılbaşı) - January 1: Turkey celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian calendar with festivities, fireworks, and social gatherings.
National Sovereignty and Children's Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) - April 23: This holiday is dedicated to children and commemorates the establishment of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 1920. It is celebrated with various activities and events for children.
Labor and Solidarity Day (Emek ve Dayanışma Günü) - May 1: Also known as May Day, this holiday honors workers' rights and achievements. It is marked by labor rallies, demonstrations, and public events.
Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (Atatürk'ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı) - May 19: This holiday commemorates the landing of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, in Samsun on May 19, 1919, which marked the start of the Turkish War of Independence. It is celebrated with youth and sports activities, parades, and ceremonies.
Ramadan (Ramazan) - Dates vary each year: Ramadan is a significant religious observance for Muslims in Turkey. It is a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, and it culminates with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı) for three days, which is a time of family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts.
Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı) - August 30: Victory Day commemorates the final victory in the Turkish War of Independence in 1922. It is celebrated with official ceremonies, parades, and fireworks.
Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı) - October 29: Republic Day marks the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. It is a significant national holiday celebrated with parades, concerts, and various cultural events.
Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha) - Dates vary each year: Known as the Feast of Sacrifice, Kurban Bayramı is an important religious holiday for Muslims worldwide. It involves the sacrifice of an animal, usually a sheep or a cow, and the distribution of meat to the less fortunate.
Mevlid Kandili - Dates vary each year: Mevlid Kandili commemorates the birth of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. It is observed with special prayers and religious gatherings.
