Planning a trip to Turkey or just curious about important holidays there? Understanding Turkey holidays is helpful. Turkey has a mix of national and religious celebrations. This list shows the turkey holidays 2024.
List of Turkey Holidays 2024
- January 1st: New Year’s Day
- February 6th: Miraç Kandili (Religious holiday)
- February 24th: Berat Kandili (Religious holiday)
- March 10th: Ramazan Arefe (Public service half day holiday)
- March 11th: Start of Ramadan
- April 5th: Kadir Gecesi (Religious holiday)
- April 9th: Şeker Bayram Arife Günü (Religious half day holiday)
- April 10th – 12th: Şeker Bayramı (Ramazan Bayramı) – Feast of Chocolates and Sweets
- May 1st: Labour and Solidarity Day
- May 19th: Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day
- June 15th: Kurban Bayram Arife Günü (Religious half day holiday)
- June 16th – 19th: Sacrifice (Kurban Bayramı) Feast
- July 15th: Democracy and National Solidarity Day
- July 16th: Aşure Günü (Religious holiday)
- August 30th: Victory Day
- September 14th: Mevlid Kandili (Religious holiday
- October 6th: Liberation of Istanbul (Historically significant, not a public holiday)
- October 28th: Republic Day Arife (Half day holiday)
- October 29th: Republic Day
Turkey has a mix of exciting and meaningful holidays. Let’s discuss them!
New Year’s Day (January 1st)
Just like in many other countries, Turkey celebrates the start of a new year on January 1st. It’s a time for fun with family and friends. People often stay up late on New Year’s Eve, enjoying fireworks, parties, and delicious food. Many also make promises to themselves for the coming year, called New Year’s resolutions. It’s a day off for most people, so schools and businesses are closed.
Miraç Kandili (February 6th)
This is a special day for Muslims in Turkey. It celebrates the Prophet Muhammad’s amazing journey to heaven. People often spend the day praying, reading the Quran, and doing good deeds. Although it’s not a day off from school or work, it’s very important to many people.
Berat Kandili (February 24th)
Another important day for Muslims, Berat Kandili is believed to be the night when God decides what will happen in the coming year. People pray, ask for forgiveness, and try to be kind to others. Like Miraç Kandili, it’s a special day but not a holiday.
Ramazan Arefe (March 10th)
Ramazan Arefe is the day before Ramadan, a special month for Muslims. People get ready for Ramadan by cleaning their homes and preparing special foods. Schools and many businesses close early on this day.
Ramadan (March 11, 2016 to April 9, 2016)
Ramadan a month of fasting which is between dawn and sunset. This is indeed the time for prayer, for doing the right thing and for spending time with family. Those on restriction break their fast with a special meal which is known as iftar.
Kadir Gecesi (April 5th)
This is regarded as the most special night of Islamic calendar, this is because of the multiples times that Prophet Mohammad reported dreamt of this particular night. This is supposed to be the night during which the holy book of Islam – the Quran – was first sent down. Most people then spend all the nights in prayer as well as recitation of the Quran.
Şeker Bayram Arife Günü (April 9th)
This is the day before Şeker Bayramı. People get ready for the celebration by cleaning their homes and buying sweets. It’s a half-day off from school and work for many people.
Şeker Bayramı (April 10th-12th)
Also called Eid al-Fitr, Şeker Bayramı celebrates the end of Ramadan. If you’re staying at a holiday village in Turkey during this time, you’ll notice the festivities, including the sharing of sweets and special foods. It’s a wonderful time to immerse yourself in local traditions.
Labour and Solidarity Day (May 1st)
This day honors workers and their important work. There are parades, speeches, and celebrations in many cities. It’s a day off for most people.
Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (May 19th)
Turkey celebrates its founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and the importance of young people on this day. There are sports events, parades, and ceremonies. It’s a national holiday.
Kurban Bayram Arife Günü (June 15th)
This is the day before Kurban Bayramı. People get ready for the celebration, which includes sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep or cow. It’s a half-day holiday.
Kurban Bayramı (June 16th-19th)
Also called Eid al-Adha, Kurban Bayramı is a very important holiday for Muslims. It celebrates the willingness to sacrifice for God. Families share the meat from the sacrificed animal with others. It’s a four-day holiday.
Democracy and National Solidarity Day (July 15th)
This day remembers a time when some people tried to take over the government in Turkey. It honors the people who protected democracy.
Aşure Günü (July 16th)
On this day, people eat a special sweet food called aşure. It’s a way to share with others and remember a story from the Quran.
Victory Day (August 30th)
Victory Day is celebrated with parades and ceremonies across Turkey. It’s a day to honor those who fought for Turkey’s independence. If you’re seeking cheap holidays to Turkey, August 30th might be a fantastic time to experience this patriotic holiday.
Mevlid Kandili (September 14th)
This day celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims go to the mosque for special prayers and read stories about the Prophet.
Liberation of Istanbul (October 6th)
This is an important day in Turkish history, but it’s not a holiday. It celebrates the day Istanbul was freed from invaders.
Republic Day Arife (October 28th)
This is the day before Republic Day. People get ready for the celebration by decorating and preparing for the next day. It’s a half-day holiday.
Republic Day (October 29th)
Turkey celebrates becoming a republic on this day. There are big parades, fireworks, and celebrations. It’s a very important national holiday.
Note: There are those holidays which are rather significant to religious people and those holidays which can be considered significant to every Turkish citizen. I like the cultural education, Indeed it is fun.
Last Words
These Turkey holidays 2024 can be a great way of understanding the Turkish traditions & history, if you are looking for Holiday village Turkey or even cheap holidays to Turkey. Both holidays give an opportunity to discover the cultural aspects of Turkey and experience the colorful events.
