Bayram Holidays in Turkey: 2027 Dates and Travel Tips

On the first morning of Ramazan Bayramı, one of the two Bayram (a religious or national holiday) holidays in Turkey, men go to the mosques for the holiday prayer, and families dress up to visit older relatives. Children kiss the hands of their elders and receive sweets or a little money. Ramazan Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı are religious and national holidays when millions of Turks travel and government offices close, so book transport and hotels early. In 2027, Ramazan Bayramı falls on March 9–11 and Kurban Bayramı on May 16–19.

What are the Bayram holidays in Turkey?

The Bayram holidays in Turkey are the two great religious feasts of the year. Ramazan Bayramı, also called Şeker Bayramı, the Sugar Feast, ends the month of Ramadan. Kurban Bayramı, the Feast of the Sacrifice, comes about two months later. Both follow the lunar calendar, so they move about eleven days earlier each year.

When are the Bayram holidays in 2027?

By law, Ramazan Bayramı is a public holiday of three and a half days and Kurban Bayramı of four and a half days, each starting at 1 p.m. on the eve. Official dates for every year are published by the Presidency of Religious Affairs.

How do the Bayram holidays affect travel in Turkey?

The Bayram holidays affect travel in Turkey mostly through transport. Many families visit relatives or head for the coast, so domestic flights, long-distance buses and highways fill up, and seaside hotels book out early. Government offices and banks close for the holiday, and some small shops and market stalls may close for part of it while their owners are with family.

• Book early. If your dates fall on a Bayram, we reserve your flights, transfers and hotels well ahead.
• Allow extra time. Leave early for airports, and expect traffic on the days before and after the holiday.

What happens during Ramazan Bayramı?

On the first morning, men go to the mosques for the holiday prayer, and families dress up to visit older relatives. Children kiss the hands of their elders and receive sweets or a little money, which is why the holiday is also called the Sugar Feast. Greet people with İyi bayramlar, “happy holidays”. For the month that comes before it, read Ramadan in Turkey.

What happens during Kurban Bayramı?

Kurban Bayramı is the longer of the two holidays and a time for family gatherings and charity. Families who can afford it share meat with relatives and people in need. Above all, it is a busy travel period in Turkey.

Religious days beyond the Bayram holidays in Turkey

Turkey also marks smaller religious days, but they are not public holidays, so offices and shops keep their usual hours. The kandil nights are among them. In 2027, Mirac Kandili falls on January 4 and again on December 24, Berat Kandili on January 22, Mevlid Kandili on August 13 and Regaib Kandili on December 2. Kadir Gecesi, the Night of Power, falls on March 5, near the end of Ramadan. Then the Islamic new year falls on June 6, and Aşure day follows on June 15. In that month, families cook aşure, Noah’s pudding, and share it with their neighbors.

Would you like to travel during a Bayram without the stress? Flights and hotels fill fast before a Bayram, so send us your dates early and we will book them in time. Start with a tailor-made trip or our driver service. For a short break over the holiday, our Istanbul tour in 3 days covers the old city, the Bosphorus and the neighborhoods.

A Bayram is also a good time to see the faith behind the holiday. Our Islamic heritage Istanbul tour visits Eyüp Sultan, the Süleymaniye and the Blue Mosque with a private guide who explains what you see. Ask us early, and we keep a guide for your holiday dates. For a whole trip planned around halal meals and prayer times, read about halal travel in Turkey.