New Year’s Day (Yılbaşı, January 1) marks the beginning of the calendar year in Turkey. It is a nationwide public holiday, and many people rest after New Year’s Eve celebrations that often include family dinners, fireworks, and public events in major cities. Businesses, government offices, banks, and schools are closed, while restaurants and tourist attractions may operate with reduced hours.

National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı, April 23) celebrates the opening of the Grand National Assembly in 1920 and honors children as the future of the nation. Founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it is the only national holiday in the world dedicated to children. Schools organize performances, parades, and ceremonies, and children symbolically take over public offices for the day. It is a nationwide public holiday.

Labour and Solidarity Day (İşçi Bayramı, May 1) honors workers’ rights and the labor movement. It is marked by trade union gatherings, demonstrations, and public events, especially in large cities like Istanbul and Ankara. Government offices, banks, and schools are closed, while some businesses may remain open depending on location and sector.

Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı, May 19) commemorates Atatürk’s arrival in Samsun in 1919, which marked the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence. Dedicated to youth and sports, it reflects his belief in young people as the guardians of the republic. The day features sports events, ceremonies, concerts, and torchlight marches across the country. It is a nationwide public holiday.

Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı, August 30) commemorates the decisive victory in the Battle of Dumlupınar in 1922, which led to the end of the Turkish War of Independence. Military parades, official ceremonies, and public celebrations take place throughout Turkey. It is one of the most important national holidays and is observed nationwide.

Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı, October 29) celebrates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. It is one of the most significant public holidays in the country. Celebrations include official ceremonies, fireworks, concerts, parades, and public events, especially in Ankara and Istanbul. Government offices, schools, and banks are closed nationwide.

Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha) commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The holiday typically lasts four days and involves the ritual sacrifice of an animal, with the meat shared among family, neighbors, and those in need. It is a time of charity, family gatherings, and religious observance, and a major travel period in Turkey. Dates follow the Islamic lunar calendar; in 2026 it is projected to run from May 27–30.

Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The holiday lasts three days and is one of the most important religious celebrations in Turkey. Families visit relatives, share sweets such as baklava and lokum, and give gifts to children, and many people travel, making it one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Dates follow the Islamic lunar calendar; in 2026 it is expected to be celebrated from March 20–22.