Nothing disrupts a vacation itinerary more than the public holiday calendar of your destination. Tourists unaware of official holidays in Türkiye may encounter limited hours at popular attractions or even find some venues completely closed.

Moreover, travel plans, currency exchange, and banking services can all be affected, causing unnecessary inconvenience. In this regard, knowing the public holidays in Türkiye 2026 can help you avoid any hurdles and allow you to experience the country at its most festive.

Public Holidays in Türkiye for 2026

The official holidays Türkiye 2026 are announced by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye. The calendar for the upcoming year is published towards the end of the previous year (around November or December), in coordination with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Once the Türkiye holiday calendar 2026 becomes available online, it is easily accessible to anyone through a simple search. Public holidays in Türkiye are classified into two main categories:

• National Holidays (E.g., Republic Day, Victory Day)
• Religious Holidays (E.g., Eid holidays)

Turkish citizens, institutions, and visitors alike can use the official holiday calendar to plan for the coming year.

An Overview of Public Holidays in Türkiye for 2026

For tourists, understanding the Public holidays in Türkiye 2026 is not only important for convenience but also for understanding the country’s rich history, culture, and traditions. Being aware of these holidays helps visitors understand their deeper significance, while avoiding any unintended cultural mishaps and inconveniences.

National holidays commemorate significant historical events and honor important personalities who greatly influenced the present-day Turkish Republic. The 2026 National holidays Türkiye are as follows:

• New Year's 2026 – Yılbaşı (January 1st, 2026): New Year's marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated in Türkiye with family gatherings and fireworks.
• National Sovereignty and Children’s Day – Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı (April 23rd, 2026): This day represents the formation of the Grand National Assembly in 1920, and is celebrated in schools all over the country.
• Labor and Solidarity Day – Emek ve Dayanışma Günü (May 1st, 2026): Dedicated to workers’ rights and unity, Labor Day is celebrated in Türkiye and all over the world.
• Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day – Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı (May 19th, 2026): This day commemorates the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence and is celebrated with fervor every year on May 19th.
• Democracy and National Unity Day – Demokrasi ve Milli Birlik Günü (July 15th, 2026): This important holiday marks the anniversary of the 2016 Coup attempt and celebrates national unity and the resilience of the Turkish nation.
• Victory Day – Zafer Bayramı (August 30th, 2026): Victory Day marks the 1922 Battle of Dumlupınar, an important turning point in the Turkish War of Independence.
• Republic Day – Cumhuriyet Bayramı (October 29th, 2026): Cumhuriyet Bayramı honors and celebrates the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923.

The religious holidays in Türkiye follow the Islamic Lunar calendar, so the dates are subject to slight adjustments and require official confirmation.

Ramazan Bayramı – Eid al-Fitr: Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the muslim month of fasting (Ramadan). The eve of this ostentatious holiday is a half-day in Türkiye as well as the broader Muslim world. The 2026 holiday dates for Eid al-Fitr include March 20th, 21st, and 22nd.

Kurban Bayramı – Eid al-Adha: Eid al-Adha is the second religious holiday of the year in the country. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s selfless sacrifice and lasts four days. Kurban Bayramı holidays will extend from May 27th to May 30th, in 2026. Since May 30th is a Saturday, the celebratory period will most probably further extend to include the weekend as well.

The Impact of 2026 Public Holidays on Business and Work Life

Like every year, the 2026 public holiday calendar will significantly impact the work and business life in Istanbul. While businesses and offices will close, however, the city itself will enter a more festive and relaxed rhythm. For tourists, public holidays in 2026 provide the perfect opportunity for sightseeing and exploring the authentic culture, history, and delicious cuisine of the city.

The New Year holiday 2026 Türkiye is a great time to plan your next trip to the country. You can experience the true charms of Istanbul by staying at The Marmara Çamlıca or while planning your 2026 holidays, you can enjoy a relaxing stay at The Marmara in different regions.

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