Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2013-December 2013 period.
Public holiday note:
- Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan), Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Ramazan Bayrami itself. Ramazan Bayrami and Kurban Bayrami (Feast of Sacrifice) may last up to several days, depending on the region.
Turkey has always been at the crossroads since the beginning of time. Straddling two continents Asia and Europe Turkey witnessed several changing of hands before it finally became a sovereign state. Unlike other deeply devout Muslim countries, Turkey balances the influence of religion to public life and celebrates other events of national significance.
Below is the list of Turkey public holiday schedule 2013. As any Islamic country, traveling to Turkey during major Islamic festivals pose challenges to the availability of certain conveniences and needs like food, drinks and shopping.
- New Year’s Day, Tuesday 1 January 2013
The first day of the Gregorian calendar is also celebrated even in a largely Muslim society.
- National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, Tuesday 23 April 2013
This day in 1920 marks the first opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in the country’s capital, Ankara. This is an important national event dedicated to children.
- May Day, Wednesday 1 May 2013
Turkey participates in the international recognition of laborers and their social and economic contribution to the society.
- Commemoration of Ataturk and Youth and Sports Day, Sunday 19 May 2013
Turkey’s struggle for independence from the Allies led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk began on this day in 1919 and ended on July 24, 1923.
- Ramazan Bayrami, Thursday to Saturday 8-10 August 2013
The End of Ramadan is celebrated in Turkey for three days. The latter half of the previous day is also considered part of the religious holiday.
- Victory Day, Friday 30 August 2013
The final battle fought in Dumlupinar on this day in 1922 proved to be a triumphant turning point to the Turkish forces.
- Liberation of Izmir, Monday 9 September 2013
This day in 1922 marks the end of the Smyrna Offensive and the eventual conclusion of the Turkish Independence War. This holiday is only observed in Izmir.
- Liberation of Istanbul, Sunday 6 October 2013
This day marks the end of Allied occupation of Istanbul. On October 6, 1923, the last ships of the combined forces of Britain, Italy and France left Turkey’s shores. This holiday is only observed in Istanbul.
- Kurban Bayrami, Tuesday to Friday 15-18 October 2013
The Feast of Sacrifice is celebrated in Turkey for 4 days, and the half day (in the afternoon) prior to the first day of the Feast is also considered a holiday. The Feast of Sacrifice is the other major Islamic holiday in Turkey, and the slaughter of livestock is performed on this day. The meat is then distributed to everyone especially the needy.
- Republic Day, Tuesday 29 October 2013
Turkey declared to be a republic on April 23, 1920, but it was only on this day in 1923 that its new status was officially acknowledged.
Turkey Public Holidays,
Only offices and banks close for any holiday (and not for all holidays) – Bars and restaurants virtually never close, especially those in the tourist resorts.
Victory day being none religious is fairly low key.
You will find all the bars and restaurants will be open as usuall…the banks and council offices will be closed. The council, along with bars and restaurants will have bunting out for the festival. An even better atmosphere will be in the village this day.
Greatly looking forward to my first visit to Turkey in April.
It’s always a good idea to check out Turkey’s and Istanbul’s official, public, national, regional and religious holidays before planning a trip or a sightseeing excursion. To make it easier for you I created this nice overview. Please pay special attention to the religious holidays since they change yearly.
Most popular tourist atrractions and shops open their doors during national holidays, but are closed until 13:00 on the first day of religious holidays. Both the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar are closed for the full duration of religious holidays, and also on October 29th. Banks are closed during all holidays national and religious.
Avoid road trips during both religious holidays, especially the Feast of the Sacrifice, because traffic intensifies dramatically. This is because during these holidays Turks visit their relatives all over the country. Also please note that May 1 demonstartions in and around Taksim often end quite agitated. Don’t take unnecessary risks, and avoid crowded areas such as Taksim, Nisantasi, Beşiktaş and Kadikoy on May 1st.
Wednesday Jan 1 New Year’s Day National holiday
Thursday Mar 20 March equinox Season
Wednesday Apr 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day National holiday
Thursday May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day National holiday
Monday May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day National holiday
Saturday Jun 21 June Solstice Season
Sunday Jul 27 Ramadan Feast Eve Half Day
Monday Jul 28 Ramadan Feast National holiday
Tuesday Jul 29 Ramadan Feast Day 2 Extra Public Holiday
Wednesday Jul 30 Ramadan Feast Day 3 Extra Public Holiday
Saturday Aug 30 Victory Day National holiday
Tuesday Sep 23 September equinox Season
Friday Oct 3 Sacrifice Feast Eve Half Day
Saturday Oct 4 Sacrifice Feast National holiday
Sunday Oct 5 Sacrifice Feast Day 2 Extra Public Holiday
Monday Oct 6 Sacrifice Feast Day 3 Extra Public Holiday
Tuesday Oct 7 Sacrifice Feast Day 4 Extra Public Holiday
Tuesday Oct 28 Republic Day Eve Half Day
Wednesday Oct 29 Republic Day National holiday
Sunday Dec 21 December Solstice Season
Wednesday Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Observance
During Ramazan Bayrami, some restaurants are closed during the day, and Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. The main public holiday is Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice) which can last from three to ten days.