Public Holidays in Turkey 2025
Turkey observes a mix of secular national holidays and Islamic religious festivals that change according to the lunar calendar. These holidays honor the Turkish Republic’s founding, commemorate Atatürk’s reforms, and celebrate Muslim traditions.
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Overview of Public Holidays in Turkey
Public holidays in Turkey consist of fixed-date national holidays such as Republic Day, Victory Day, and National Sovereignty & Children’s Day, along with movable Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Some holidays include half-day observances before the main celebration.
List of Public Holidays in Turkey (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Yılbaşı) | January 1 | Wednesday | Start of the Gregorian year |
| Ramazan Bayramı Eve (Half Day) | March 29 | Saturday | Half-day before Eid al-Fitr |
| Ramazan Bayramı / Eid al-Fitr | March 30 – April 4 | Sun – Fri | Multi-day Islamic celebration |
| National Sovereignty & Children’s Day | April 23 | Wednesday | Founding of Turkish Parliament |
| Labour & Solidarity Day | May 1 | Thursday | Workers’ Day |
| Youth & Sports Day (Atatürk Memorial) | May 19 | Monday | Beginning of Turkish Independence movement |
| Kurban Bayramı Eve (Half Day) | June 5 | Thursday | Half-day before Eid al-Adha |
| Kurban Bayramı / Eid al-Adha | June 6 – June 9 | Fri – Mon | Feast of Sacrifice holiday period |
| Democracy & National Unity Day | July 15 | Tuesday | Remembrance of 2016 resistance |
| Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı) | August 30 | Saturday | Independence War victory |
| Republic Day Eve (Half Day) | October 28 | Tuesday | Half-day prior to celebrations |
| Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı) | October 29 | Wednesday | Proclamation of the Republic (1923) |
| Atatürk Commemoration Day | November 10 | Monday | Anniversary of Atatürk’s passing |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Wednesday | Year-end observance |
Religious and Cultural Significance
Turkey’s Islamic holidays such as Ramazan Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı follow the lunar calendar and may shift each year. National holidays including Republic Day and Victory Day highlight the founding of the modern Republic and Atatürk’s legacy.
Public Observances and Closures
Government offices, schools, banks, and many businesses close on official holidays. Religious holidays may include extended closure periods and half-days. Major celebrations include ceremonies, parades, and cultural events across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Turkey have in 2025?
Turkey has around 14 official holiday periods in 2025, including multi-day Islamic feasts and half-day observances.
Why do some holidays last multiple days?
Islamic celebrations span several days and may begin with a half-day observance before the main holiday.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Turkey balance strong Islamic traditions with modern republican values. From celebrating independence and democracy to observing important religious feasts, each holiday fosters unity and pride nationwide.
