Turkey (TR)

Public holiday. Increasingly celebrated in Turkey — especially in Istanbul. New Year's Eve (Yılbaşı Gecesi) is a major celebration with restaurants and venues fully booked months in advance.

IMPORTANT: Islamic calendar dates shift ~11 days earlier each Gregorian year — verify exact date for 2026. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Also called Şeker Bayramı (Sugar Feast) because sweets are given. Public holiday. Families visit elders, children receive candy. Shops and services largely closed for 3–4 days. Travel extremely busy — book transport weeks in advance.

Second day of Eid al-Fitr. Public holiday.

Third day of Eid al-Fitr. Public holiday. Most government offices, banks, and many businesses closed for all 3 days plus eve (arife). Plan bureaucratic tasks around this period.

Commemorates the opening of the Grand National Assembly in 1920. Also dedicated to children — school performances, parades, and celebrations. Atatürk dedicated this holiday to children worldwide. One of Turkey's most beloved public holidays.

International Workers' Day / May Day — public holiday in Turkey. Major trade union demonstrations, especially in Istanbul's Taksim Square (historically the site of the 1977 May Day Massacre — a sensitive location with heavy police presence). Avoid the area if you do not want to be caught in demonstrations.

Commemorates Atatürk's arrival in Samsun on 19 May 1919 — the symbolic start of the War of Independence. Youth and sports events, parades, and gymnastics displays throughout Turkey. Public holiday.

IMPORTANT: Islamic calendar dates shift annually — verify exact date for 2026. Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Sheep and cattle are sacrificed and meat distributed to the poor, family, and neighbours. The most important religious holiday in Turkey. 4.5 days public holiday. Turkey essentially shuts down — major cities empty as people return to their hometowns. Book all transport and accommodation months ahead.

Second day of Eid al-Adha. Public holiday.

Third day of Eid al-Adha. Public holiday. 29 May is also the anniversary of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (1453) — not a separate holiday but culturally significant.

Fourth day of Eid al-Adha. Public holiday. Total 4.5 days (including arife — eve of the holiday) making Kurban Bayramı Turkey's longest holiday period.

Commemorates the failed coup attempt of 15 July 2016. Public holiday introduced in 2017. Candlelight ceremonies and government events mark the anniversary. Widely known as "Şehitler Günü" (Martyrs' Day). Strong political significance in contemporary Turkey.