Public Holidays in Turkey 2026: The Complete List

Almosafer
Dec 28, 2025
3 min read

Trade travel plans for festive plans! This article is your passport to a unique journey through Turkish culture, driven by the public holidays in Turkey. Let's dive into the traditions, history, and joyful spirit through the lens of the Turkey 2026 holidays!

Public Holidays in Turkey 2026: Calendar & Dates

Here is the official list of public holidays in Turkey for 2026:

Holiday Type	Holiday Name	Number of Days	Dates (2026)	Day
Public Holiday	New Year's Day	1	1 January	Thursday
Public Holiday	Eve of Ramadan Feast (Estimated)	Half Day	19 March	Thursday
Public Holiday	Ramadan Feast (Eid al-Fitr)	3	20–22 March	Friday to Sunday
Public Holiday	National Sovereignty and Children's Day	1	23 April	Thursday
Public Holiday	International Workers' Day	1	1 May	Friday
Public Holiday	Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day	1	19 May	Tuesday
Public Holiday	Eve of Sacrifice Feast (Estimated)	Half Day	26 May	Tuesday
Public Holiday	Sacrifice Feast (Eid al-Adha)	4	27–30 May	Wednesday to Saturday
Public Holiday	Democracy and National Unity Day	1	15 July	Wednesday
Public Holiday	Victory Day	1	30 August	Sunday
Public Holiday	Republic Day	1.5	28–29 October	Wed (Half) & Thursday
Observance	Atatürk Memorial Day	1	10 November	Tuesday
Observance	New Year's Eve	1	31 December	Thursday

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The Republic Day of Turkey 2026

This national holiday marks the birth of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, representing the transition to a modern secular nation.

2026 Timing: Republic Day falls on Thursday, 29th October. Since the previous day (Wednesday) is a half-day holiday, many residents will enjoy a long break connecting to the weekend.
Celebrations: Across Turkey, grand parades, military shows, and fireworks displays light up the night. Citizens attend official ceremonies and raise the Turkish flag (Al Bayrak) with pride.

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Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day

Dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, this holiday emphasises the role of youth in the nation's future.

Sports Connection: It marks the start of Turkish Sports Week. In 2026, this falls on a Tuesday (19th May). Expect energetic sporting events, athletic competitions, and vibrant cultural performances in stadiums and public squares.

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Holidays in Turkey 2026

Q. How many public holidays will there be in Turkey in 2026?

Turkey will observe 12 official public holidays in 2026, totalling 12.5 days (including the half-day for Republic Day and religious eves).

Q. Are there any long weekends in Turkey in 2026?

Yes, 2026 is an excellent year for long weekends in Turkey:

New Year: Thursday (1 Jan) often leads to a long 4-day break.
Ramadan Feast: Starts on Friday (20th March), creating a full weekend of festivities.
Labour Day: Falls on Friday (1st May), making it a 3-day weekend.
Sacrifice Feast: A massive break from Wednesday to Saturday (27–30 May).
Republic Day: Thursday (29th Oct) provides a perfect opportunity for a 4-day holiday.

Q. What happens on Atatürk Memorial Day (10 November)?

While not a public holiday (schools and businesses remain open), the entire nation observes a minute of silence at 9:05 AM, the exact time of Atatürk’s passing. Sirens wail across the country, and traffic comes to a standstill in a moving tribute.

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