Public Holidays in Turkmenistan 2026 – National & Public Holidays
Turkmenistan observes several national public holidays that honor its cultural traditions, national sovereignty, and religious observances. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and may shift annually.
Explore more: Public Holidays in Turkey
Overview of Public Holidays in Turkmenistan
Public holidays in Turkmenistan combine secular state celebrations such as Independence Day and Neutrality Day with Islamic festivals like Uraza Bayram and Kurban Bayram. The government announces official non-working days annually, and Islamic holiday dates depend on lunar observations.
List of Public Holidays in Turkmenistan (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Ýylbaşy) | January 1 | Thursday | Start of the Gregorian year |
| Memorial Day | January 12 | Monday | Honors defenders of Göktepe |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Sunday | Celebrates women’s contributions to society |
| Nowruz Bayram | March 21 – 22 | Saturday – Sunday | Spring equinox and Persian New Year |
| Uraza Bayram / Eid al-Fitr* | March 20 – 21 | Friday – Saturday | End of Ramadan (subject to moon sighting) |
| Constitution & Flag Day | May 18 | Monday | Celebration of state symbols and constitution |
| Kurban Bayram / Eid al-Adha* | May 27 – 30 | Wednesday – Saturday | Islamic Festival of Sacrifice |
| Independence Day | September 27 | Sunday | Independence from the Soviet Union |
| Remembrance Day | October 6 | Tuesday | National day of mourning |
| Neutrality Day | December 12 | Saturday | UN-recognized permanent neutrality |
*Note: Islamic holiday dates such as Uraza Bayram and Kurban Bayram depend on lunar observations and may vary by one day.
List of Public Holidays in Turkmenistan (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Ýylbaşy) | January 1 | Wednesday | Start of Gregorian year |
| Memorial Day | January 12 | Sunday | Honors defenders of Göktepe |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Saturday | Celebrates women’s societal role |
| Nowruz Bayram | March 21–22 | Fri – Sat | Spring and Persian New Year festival |
| Uraza Bayram / Eid al-Fitr* | March 30 | Sunday | End of Ramadan (tentative) |
| Constitution & Flag Day | May 18 | Sunday | National identity celebration |
| Kurban Bayram / Eid al-Adha | June 6–9 | Fri – Mon | Festival of Sacrifice |
| Independence Day | September 27 | Saturday | Independence from Soviet Union |
| Remembrance Day | October 6 | Monday | National mourning day |
| Neutrality Day | December 12 | Friday | Permanent neutrality recognition |
Religious and Cultural Significance
Turkmenistan’s public holidays reflect a balance between Islamic faith and national heritage. Religious observances such as Uraza Bayram and Kurban Bayram emphasize charity, prayer, and community. National days including Independence Day, Neutrality Day, and Memorial Day highlight sovereignty, peace, and remembrance.
Public Observances and Closures
Government offices, banks, schools, and public institutions close nationwide on official holidays. Islamic holidays may be announced shortly before observance due to moon sighting confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Turkmenistan have in 2026?
In 2026, Turkmenistan is expected to observe around 12 official non-working public holidays, including religious and national days.
Why do Islamic holiday dates change every year?
Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Dates depend on official moon sighting announcements.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Turkmenistan celebrate faith, culture, and national identity. From Nowruz festivities to remembrance and independence milestones, each holiday reinforces unity and tradition across the nation.
