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Turkey public holidays in 2026 and 2027 — what travellers need to know

Ramazan Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı create heavy domestic travel, while arife may bring early closing. Many resort services continue, but intercity journeys should be booked ahead.

Key takeaway: It is worth visiting for the events and local atmosphere if you accept crowds and early reservations.

Public-holiday calendar for 2026 and 2027

Calendar coverage: The 2026 and 2027 calendars are complete for nationwide days off identified by the official sources.

2026

DateDayHolidayNotes
1 JanuaryThursdayNew Year's Day
20 March – 22 MarchFridayEid al-Fitrmulti-day holiday
23 AprilThursdayNational Sovereignty and Children's Day
1 MayFridayLabour Day
19 MayTuesdayCommemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
27 May – 30 MayWednesdayEid al-Adhamulti-day holiday
15 JulyWednesdayDemocracy and National Unity Day
30 AugustSundayVictory Day
29 OctoberThursdayRepublic Day

2027

DateDayHolidayNotes
1 JanuaryFridayNew Year's Day
9 March – 11 MarchTuesdayEid al-Fitrmulti-day holiday
23 AprilFridayNational Sovereignty and Children's Day
1 MaySaturdayLabour Day
16 May – 19 MaySundayEid al-Adhamulti-day holiday
19 MayWednesdayCommemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
15 JulyThursdayDemocracy and National Unity Day
30 AugustMondayVictory Day
29 OctoberFridayRepublic Day

Which periods affect travel most?

Ramazan Bayramı

The three-day feast after Ramadan generates heavy family travel. The preceding arife is a half-day holiday for many institutions.

Kurban Bayramı

This is the longest religious holiday block and one of the hardest periods for spontaneous intercity travel.

National holidays

23 April, 19 May, 30 August and 29 October bring ceremonies and office closures; traffic arrangements may change in city centres.

Shops, transport and attractions

  • Trains, buses, ferries and domestic flights may sell out faster; buy tickets ahead for the key holiday periods.
  • Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours.
  • On arife, banks, offices and some businesses may close at noon.

Local customs and etiquette

Bayram is a time for family visits and greetings. Dress modestly near mosques and be discreet around people who are fasting during Ramadan, especially outside tourist areas.

How to plan your trip

  1. Reserve accommodation and key journeys earlier than usual.
  2. Two or three days before a visit, check the official hours of the attraction or operator.
  3. Check dress and behaviour rules for places of worship.

Combine the calendar with the weather

Check the 14-day forecast, monthly climate and best time to visit Turkey.

Turkey weather

MarchMayOctober

Sources and data coverage

The 2026 and 2027 calendars are complete for nationwide days off identified by the official sources. Calendar data checked: 13 July 2026.

Travel-advice sources

Other holiday calendars for travellers

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Frequently asked questions

Is it worth visiting Turkey during public holidays?
It is worth visiting for the events and local atmosphere if you accept crowds and early reservations.
Do shops and public transport operate on holidays in Turkey?
Trains, buses, ferries and domestic flights may sell out faster; buy tickets ahead for the key holiday periods. Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours. On arife, banks, offices and some businesses may close at noon.
Can religious holiday dates change?
Yes. Dates based on a lunar calendar may be confirmed or adjusted by the relevant authorities. We label such entries as estimates and recommend checking again before departure.