Holidays in Turkey: what restrictions exist for vacationers?

Like here, Turkey has public holidays when most employees stop working. Unlike the German system, some Turkish holidays may be moved up by more than a week each year. You can find out why this is so, when public holidays will be celebrated in Turkey in 2026 and 2027 and what this means for tourists in Turkey here.

Türkiye: All public holidays in 2026 in one list.

Basically, the Turkish system has slightly more public holidays than Germany. A distinction can be made between two categories: fixed national days of remembrance tied to important historical dates, and religious holidays based on the Islamic lunar calendar. According to the German-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Türkiye), there will be 15.5 public holidays in the country in 2026.

According to AHK Türkiye, public holidays include New Year (January 1), National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (April 23), Labor Day (May 1), Democracy and National Unity Day (July 15), Victory Day (August 30) and Republic Day (October 28 and 29).

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Muslims perform Eid al-Adha prayers at the Abdul Qadir Gilani Mosque. Eid al-Fitr, the festival of sacrifice, is the holiest festival in Islam. To properly celebrate the holiday, there are several public holidays in Turkey related to the Festival of Sacrifice.
Photo: Amir Al-Mohammedawi, dpa (file image)

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Muslims perform Eid al-Adha prayers at the Abdul Qadir Gilani Mosque. Eid al-Fitr, the festival of sacrifice, is the holiest festival in Islam. To properly celebrate the holiday, there are several public holidays in Turkey related to the Festival of Sacrifice.
Photo: Amir Al-Mohammedawi, dpa (file image)

Religious holidays are celebrated by Ramadan and the Feast of Sacrifice. As part of the fasting month of Ramadan, three full and one half holidays are planned in 2026. According to AHK Türkiye, the Feast of Sacrifice falls on 4.5 public holidays. Since religious holidays in Turkey are based on the lunar calendar, they are postponed by about ten days each year.

A brief overview of all public holidays in Turkey in 2026.

Türkiye: 2027 Public Holidays at a Glance

In 2027, Ramadan holidays will be slightly delayed. The day before breaking the fast falls on March 9, 2027. The Feast of the Sacrifice will begin eleven days earlier. A quick overview of Turkish holiday dates in 2027.

Holidays in Turkey: what do vacationers need to know?

Holidaymakers should be aware of public holidays in Turkey as they may affect travel planning. For example, shops and restaurants may change their opening hours. Travel reporter reported. In principle, shops, restaurants, bars and cafes are not required to close on public holidays. However, they usually reduce operating hours. A Turkish newspaper reports this. Freedom During Ramadan 2026, many shopping centers open only at noon.

Museums, archaeological sites, and cultural and historical sites are also generally open on public holidays, with restrictions and changes in opening hours. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture, on religious holidays, museums and historical sites “are closed until noon (1 p.m.) on the first day only; open to visitors on other holidays and on all public holidays (…).”

Regarding religious holidays, there is a rule that non-Muslim tourists to Turkey do not have to follow religious rules. For example, during Ramadan it is not necessary to fast. However, holidaymakers should be aware of cultural and religious circumstances to ensure respectful behavior while on holiday. Travel platform Holiday Pirates For example, holidaymakers in Turkey are advised to wear conservative clothing during religious holidays and avoid public displays of affection. They should also not play loud music in public places or eat or drink in public places during Ramadan.

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