2020 List of National Holidays in Turkey
There are many national and religious holidays in Turkey that are celebrated wholeheartedly as public holidays. It is possible to see many Turkish flags up in the sky or in people’s hands accompanied by music and dancing since Turkish people love to celebrate. It might be important for you to note the dates of these national holidays because most government buildings, banks, and other official services are closed during national holidays.
1st of January: New Year’s Day
As it is with most of the world, New Year is also celebrated in Turkey with excitement. Many gather around main squares and participate in the countdown. Turkish people usually prefer to enjoy the day afterward with their loved ones.
23rd of April: National Sovereignty and Children's Day
23rd April 1920 is an important date for Turkey since it marks the first gathering of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the day was dedicated to children by Atatürk. Every 23rd of April, children switch places with adults in various places including the parliament, TV or theatre shows, and different occupations.
1st of May: Labour Day
The 1st of May is celebrated in Turkey to remember the value of labor and celebrated by everyone all over the country.
19th of May: Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
19th May 1919 marked as the first day of the Turkish Independence War since Atatürk came to Samsun from İstanbul to establish an organized resistance. The day is also dedicated to young people of Turkey and there are many sporting events, concerts, and shows around every part of the country.
24th – 26th of May: Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr)
Ramazan Bayramı, Ramadan Feast or Eid al-Fitr in Arabic, is two of the main religious holidays in Turkey and celebrated in every part of the country with enthusiasm. Ramazan Bayramı marks the ending of a month of fasting and it is a tradition to visit your older family relatives, friends, and deceased ones. The feast also became synonym with sugar in Turkey because people always give each other delicious treats during Ramazan Bayramı. The date of the feast is subject to change every year.
31st of July – 3rd of August: Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha)
Kurban Bayramı, Kurban Feast or Eid al-Adha in Arabic, is the second religious holiday in Turkey and lasts four days. It is a tradition to share sacrificed animals meat with poor and relatives during the feast. Kurban Bayramı always falls 70 days after Ramadan every year.
30th of August: Victory Day
30th August in 1922 marks the victory of the Turkish Armed Forces led by Atatürk in Battle of Dumlupınar that ultimately leaded to the establishment of the Turkish Republic.
29th of October: Republic Day
29th October in 1923 was one of the most significant days of Turkey since it marks the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey. The day is celebrated wholeheartedly in every part of the country with concerts, various gatherings, military marches, speeches, and dance shows.
