November 10 in Turkey: What Visitors See at 9:05

November 10 in Turkey is the day the country remembers Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic. In Turkish it is Atatürk’ü Anma Günü, Atatürk Remembrance Day. He died in Istanbul on November 10, 1938, at 9:05 in the morning. Every year at that minute, sirens sound across Turkey and people stop where they are. If you are here that day, you will see it, and you can take part. Here is what happens, where it happens and how to plan your day.

What Happens at 9:05 on November 10 in Turkey

At 9:05, written 09.05 in Turkey, sirens sound in cities and towns. People stand still for two minutes of silence. Then the national anthem is played or sung at official ceremonies.

Schools and public buildings hold ceremonies of their own. During the national anthem, the flag is lowered slowly to half-mast. So, that morning, you may notice flags at half-mast on schools and public buildings.

What to Do at 9:05

Stop with everyone else. If you are walking, stand still until the sirens end. In a shop, a café or a museum, pause your conversation until the sirens end. Nobody expects visitors to know the details; standing still with everyone is enough. It is also kind to put the phone away for those two minutes.

Dolmabahçe Palace on November 10

Atatürk died at Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, in a simple bedroom in the harem. On November 10, the palace follows its own commemoration program. The National Palaces administration keeps Dolmabahçe open that day even when it falls on a Monday, when the palace normally closes.

On November 10, entry is free for all visitors, Turkish and foreign. Visitors also follow a special route set for the day, which differs from the normal visit. For a full visit on another day, see our Dolmabahçe Palace tour.

Anıtkabir in Ankara

In Ankara, the state holds its official ceremony at Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s mausoleum, on the morning of November 10. At 9:05 the sirens sound there too. Anıtkabir is open every day of the year. If you are in Ankara that week, our Ankara day trip includes Anıtkabir with a licensed guide in your language.

Is November 10 a Public Holiday?

No. November 10 is a day of remembrance, not a public holiday. Turkey’s holiday law does not list it, so it is a normal working day. Shops, restaurants, public transport and most museums keep their usual days.

In 2026, November 10 falls on a Tuesday. Dolmabahçe is open that day. Note that Topkapı Palace closes on Tuesdays, so plan Topkapı for another day of your trip. For the official holidays, see our guide to holidays in Turkey.

November 10 in Turkey on a Private Tour

If you are in Istanbul on November 10, we can plan your morning around 9:05 and your visit to Dolmabahçe. Our Bosphorus tour combines the palace with a private boat on the strait. Your guide explains the day and its meaning as you go.

Are you in Istanbul or Ankara that week? Send us your dates, and we will send you a clear plan within 24 hours.