Public Holidays in Turkey: 2027 Dates for Travelers

Public holidays in Turkey come in two kinds. National holidays fall on the same date every year, from New Year’s Day to Republic Day on October 29. The two religious holidays, Ramazan Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı, follow the lunar calendar. They move about eleven days earlier each year. Here are the 2027 dates, what closes on those days and how to plan a trip around them.

National public holidays in Turkey in 2027

• January 1, Friday: New Year’s Day.
• April 23, Friday: National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
• May 1, Saturday: Labor and Solidarity Day.
• May 19, Wednesday: Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.
• July 15, Thursday: Democracy and National Unity Day.
• August 30, Monday: Victory Day.
• October 29, Friday: Republic Day, the national holiday. It begins at 1 p.m. on October 28.

On these days, schools and public offices close. On Republic Day, private workplaces close as well.

Religious holidays: the two Bayrams

Ramazan Bayramı, also called Şeker Bayramı, ends the month of Ramadan. In 2027, Ramadan begins on February 8, the eve is March 8, and the holiday falls on March 9–11. Kurban Bayramı, the Feast of the Sacrifice, follows about two months later. In 2027, its eve is May 15, and the holiday falls on May 16–19.

By law, Ramazan Bayramı lasts three and a half days and Kurban Bayramı four and a half days. Each starts at 1 p.m. on the eve. For customs, food and travel tips, read our guide to the Bayram holidays in Turkey. For the month before the first Bayram (a religious or national holiday), see Ramadan in Turkey.

November 10: a day of remembrance

November 10 is not a public holiday. On that day, Turkey remembers Atatürk, who died on November 10, 1938, at 9:05 in the morning. At 9:05, sirens sound and people stop for two minutes of silence. Shops, transport and most museums keep their usual days. Dolmabahçe Palace stays open that day, and entry is free for all visitors.

What closes on public holidays in Turkey

Public offices close on all public holidays. Dolmabahçe Palace closes on New Year’s Day and on the first day of each Bayram. On the other public holidays, it opens as usual, unless the day falls on a Monday, its weekly closing day. The Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays and during the religious holidays.

So, if your trip falls on a Bayram, plan the Grand Bazaar for another day. Use the holiday for a Bosphorus cruise, a walk in the neighborhoods or a day outside the city.

Planning a trip around public holidays in Turkey

If your dates touch a Bayram, book flights, buses and hotels early. Our Bayram guide explains how the holidays affect travel.

We plan every private trip around the calendar. We check which sites are open on your dates, arrange tickets and move your Grand Bazaar day if needed. A licensed guide in your language knows what each holiday means and explains it on the way.

When are you traveling? Send us your dates. We will tell you which holidays fall in your trip and send you a clear plan within 24 hours.