From commemorating key moments in the country’s history to celebrating religious festivals, these public holidays provide a glimpse into the unique blend of traditions that make up modern Turkey.
The public holidays in Turkey may include:
- New Year’s Day (Yılbaşı) – January 1: The year begins with enthusiasm and joy as Turks celebrate New Year’s Day. Festivities include family gatherings, traditional meals, and vibrant fireworks. It marks a time for reflection and anticipation of the opportunities the coming year may bring.
- National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) – April 23: Unique to Turkey, this day is dedicated to children and the future of the nation. April 23 commemorates the establishment of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1920. Children take center stage, participating in events and activities that emphasize the importance of their role in shaping the country’s destiny.
- Labor and Solidarity Day (Emek ve Dayanışma Günü) – May 1: May 1 is a day dedicated to workers and their rights. It is marked by demonstrations, parades, and public events advocating for labor rights and social justice. The holiday reflects Turkey’s commitment to acknowledging and honoring the contributions of its workforce.
- Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı) – May 19: Celebrated on May 19, this holiday honors Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. The day also recognizes the importance of youth and sports in the country. Festivities include sports events, parades, and ceremonies paying homage to Atatürk’s legacy.
- Ramadan Bayram (Ramazan Bayramı) – Date varies: Marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, Ramadan Bayram is a time for joy, generosity, and family reunions. It is characterized by visits to friends and family, traditional sweets, and the exchange of gifts.
- Sacrifice Feast (Kurban Bayramı) – Date varies: This religious holiday, also known as Eid al-Adha, commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Families sacrifice animals, and the meat is distributed to those in need, emphasizing the values of compassion and charity.
- Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı) – August 30: August 30 marks the Victory Day, commemorating the decisive Battle of Dumlupınar in 1922, which led to the liberation of Anatolia from foreign occupation. It is a day of national pride, featuring parades, ceremonies, and flag-raising events across the country.
- Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı) – October 29: Celebrating the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Republic Day is a significant national holiday. Festivities include grand parades, cultural events, and fireworks, showcasing the country’s commitment to democracy and secularism.
Religious holidays follow the lunar cycle and will be marked as ‘tentative’ until confirmation closer to the holiday date.
To request an employee to work on public holidays, written consent is necessary. Employees are entitled to the full day’s salary for the holiday without any work commitment. If they choose to work on the holiday instead of taking the day off, they will receive an extra full day’s wage for each day worked, regardless of the number of hours worked.