EN
Turkey Public Holidays 2027: Complete Calendar & Travel Guide
Turkey Public Holidays 2027
Planning a trip to Turkey in 2027? Knowing the Turkey public holidays 2027 calendar can help you choose the right travel dates, book hotels and flights in advance, arrange transportation, and prepare for potentially busier travel periods.
Turkey's public holidays include national holidays, religious holidays, New Year's Day, Labor and Solidarity Day, and Democracy and National Unity Day. Some holidays commemorate important events in Turkish history, while others are connected to Islamic traditions.
For international travelers, understanding Turkish public holidays in 2027 is particularly useful because holiday periods can affect domestic travel demand, hotel availability, road traffic, flights, public institutions, and some business opening hours.
In this guide, you will find the complete Turkey public holidays calendar for 2027, based on the official Turkish holiday calendar, together with practical travel tips for visitors.
Important: The religious holiday dates below follow the official 2027 religious calendar published by the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet).
Turkey Public Holidays 2027 at a Glance
Turkey has several official public holidays throughout the year. The calendar includes national holidays, religious holidays, New Year's Day, Labor and Solidarity Day, and Democracy and National Unity Day.
Under Turkish law, the eve of Ramadan Bayram is a half-day holiday from 1:00 PM, while the eve of Kurban Bayram is also a half-day holiday from 1:00 PM. Republic Day begins at 1:00 PM on October 28 and continues throughout October 29.
Turkey Public Holidays 2027 Calendar
January 1, 2027 – New Year's Day
Friday, January 1, 2027
New Year's Day is the first official public holiday of 2027 in Turkey.
January 1 is a nationwide public holiday. December 31, however, is not a full-day official public holiday under the standard national holiday calendar.
New Year's Eve is widely celebrated in major Turkish cities, particularly Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, as well as popular tourist destinations.
Travelers visiting Turkey around New Year's Eve may find special programs at hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues and shopping centers.
If you plan to visit Istanbul at the end of December, booking your hotel and transportation in advance is a good idea.
March 8–11, 2027 – Ramadan Bayram
March 8–11, 2027
Ramadan Bayram, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is one of the most important religious holidays in Turkey.
According to the official 2027 Diyanet calendar, Ramadan begins on February 8, 2027. Ramadan Bayram begins on March 9, while March 8 is the holiday eve and is a half-day holiday. The three full holiday days are March 9, 10 and 11.
Ramadan Bayram is traditionally a time for family visits, religious observances, greetings, sweets and gatherings.
Traveling During Ramadan Bayram
Ramadan Bayram can be an important period for domestic travel in Turkey because many people travel between cities to visit family or take short holidays.
International visitors may experience increased demand for:
- Domestic flights
- Intercity buses and trains
- Hotels
- Rental cars
- Airport transfers
If your trip coincides with Ramadan Bayram, advance reservations are recommended.
April 23, 2027 – National Sovereignty and Children's Day
Friday, April 23, 2027
National Sovereignty and Children's Day is an important national holiday in Turkey and is celebrated every year on April 23.
The day commemorates the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 1920 and is dedicated to children.
Schools, municipalities and local communities may organize ceremonies, performances, cultural activities and children's events.
For international travelers, April can also be a pleasant month for exploring Turkey, particularly cities and historical attractions.
May 1, 2027 – Labor and Solidarity Day
Saturday, May 1, 2027
Labor and Solidarity Day, commonly known as May Day, is an official public holiday in Turkey.
It falls on Saturday in 2027.
Because May marks the beginning of the warmer travel season, visitors traveling around Turkey during this period should consider making hotel and transportation reservations ahead of time.
May 15–19, 2027 – Kurban Bayram
May 15–19, 2027
Kurban Bayram, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the most important religious holidays in Turkey.
According to the official Diyanet calendar:
- May 15: Kurban Bayram Eve – half day
- May 16: Day 1
- May 17: Day 2
- May 18: Day 3
- May 19: Day 4
The holiday eve begins at 1:00 PM under Turkish public holiday regulations.
Kurban Bayram is traditionally associated with family gatherings, religious observances, charity and sharing food.
Why Is Kurban Bayram Important for Travelers?
Kurban Bayram is one of the major domestic travel periods in Turkey.
Many people travel to visit family or spend their holiday in different parts of the country. As a result, travelers may experience increased demand for:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Rental cars
- Intercity transportation
- Airport transfers
- Popular tourist destinations
Coastal destinations such as Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and Çeşme may attract significant numbers of visitors during the May holiday period.
A Special Note About May 19, 2027
There is an important calendar overlap in 2027.
May 19, 2027 is both:
- The fourth day of Kurban Bayram
- Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
The official Diyanet holiday calendar lists both holidays on the same date.
May 19, 2027 – Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
Wednesday, May 19, 2027
Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day is celebrated annually on May 19.
The national holiday is associated with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the beginning of an important period in the Turkish War of Independence.
The day is celebrated with ceremonies, sporting activities and public events across Turkey.
In 2027, May 19 is particularly notable because it coincides with the fourth day of Kurban Bayram.
July 15, 2027 – Democracy and National Unity Day
Thursday, July 15, 2027
Democracy and National Unity Day is an official public holiday observed on July 15.
The day commemorates the events of July 15, 2016.
July is also part of Turkey's peak summer travel season. Popular destinations such as Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris and Cappadocia can be busy during this period.
If you are planning a summer road trip in Turkey, reserving your rental car in advance can help you secure your preferred vehicle.
August 30, 2027 – Victory Day
Monday, August 30, 2027
Victory Day, known in Turkish as Zafer Bayramı, is celebrated every year on August 30.
The national holiday commemorates the Turkish victory at the Battle of Dumlupınar in 1922.
Official ceremonies and public events are held in different parts of Turkey.
Because August is one of the busiest months of the Turkish tourism season, travelers should consider booking accommodation and transportation in advance if their trip includes this date.
October 28–29, 2027 – Republic Day
Thursday, October 28 and Friday, October 29, 2027
Republic Day, or Cumhuriyet Bayramı, is one of Turkey's most important national holidays.
It commemorates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923.
Under Turkish law, the holiday begins at 1:00 PM on October 28 and continues throughout October 29. Therefore, October 28 is a half-day holiday and October 29 is a full public holiday.
Republic Day Celebrations in Turkey
Republic Day is marked by celebrations and public events across the country.
Depending on the location and year, visitors may see:
- Concerts
- Fireworks
- Official ceremonies
- Cultural events
- Public celebrations
- National decorations
Istanbul is often an attractive destination for travelers who want to experience the atmosphere of Republic Day.
Other Important Dates in Turkey in 2027
These dates are not necessarily official public holidays in Turkey, but some of them, such as New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and Black Friday, are important social or commercial occasions.
Black Friday, in particular, is a popular shopping event when many stores and shopping centers offer special discounts and promotions.
If you plan to visit Turkey during these dates, it is a good idea to check local shopping hours, special events, and promotions in advance.
Are Turkish Public Holidays Busy for Tourists?
Not every public holiday has the same effect on tourism.
The two major religious holidays, Ramadan Bayram and Kurban Bayram, are particularly important for domestic travel. National holidays can also create busier periods, especially when they coincide with weekends or the peak tourism season.
For travelers, the periods most likely to require additional planning include:
- Ramadan Bayram
- Kurban Bayram
- July and August summer travel
- Republic Day
- Other holiday periods connected to weekends
During these periods, demand for hotels, flights and rental cars may increase.
Do Shops and Restaurants Close During Turkish Public Holidays?
Not necessarily.
Public holidays primarily affect government offices and official institutions. Many hotels, restaurants, cafés, shopping centers and tourism businesses may continue operating.
However, opening hours are not necessarily the same everywhere.
Some smaller businesses may close or operate with reduced hours during major religious holidays, while businesses serving tourists may remain open.
If you plan to visit a specific museum, attraction, restaurant or public institution, it is best to check its opening hours before your visit.
Is It a Good Idea to Rent a Car During Turkish Public Holidays?
For travelers who want to explore multiple destinations, renting a car can provide flexibility and convenience.
For example, a Turkey road trip could include:
Istanbul → Bursa → İzmir → Çeşme
or:
Antalya → Kemer → Kaş → Fethiye
or:
Istanbul → Cappadocia → Ankara
A rental car can be particularly useful for families, groups and travelers who want to explore destinations that are less convenient to reach by public transportation.
However, demand for rental cars can increase during major public holidays and the summer season. Reserving your vehicle in advance gives you a better chance of finding the category and features you prefer.
Tips for Traveling in Turkey During Public Holidays
1. Book Your Rental Car Early
Rental cars may be in higher demand during Ramadan Bayram, Kurban Bayram and the summer travel season.
2. Reserve Your Hotel in Advance
Accommodation in popular destinations can become more limited during major holiday periods.
3. Allow Extra Time for Road Travel
Traffic can increase on major routes connecting Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and popular coastal destinations.
4. Check Attraction Opening Hours
Museums, government institutions and some attractions may operate on special schedules during public holidays.
5. Plan Your Airport Transfer
Major airports, including Istanbul Airport, may experience higher passenger volumes during major travel periods.
6. Consider Your Travel Route Carefully
If you are planning a multi-city road trip, check traffic conditions and allow additional time between destinations.
7. Book Important Services in Advance
Flights, hotels, airport transfers and rental cars can be in higher demand during major Turkish holidays.
Best Months to Travel to Turkey in 2027
The best month for your Turkey trip depends on your travel goals.
April
April can be a good choice for travelers interested in Istanbul, historical sites and cultural attractions. Spring weather is generally more comfortable than the hottest summer months.
May and June
May and June can be excellent for combining city sightseeing with coastal travel. However, Kurban Bayram takes place from May 16–19, 2027, so travelers should consider this period when planning their itinerary.
July and August
These are among the busiest months for summer tourism, particularly in coastal destinations. Travelers should expect higher demand during the peak season.
September
September can offer a good balance between warm weather and the busiest part of the summer season, particularly for coastal destinations.
October
October is a good option for travelers interested in Istanbul and cultural tourism. Visitors traveling toward the end of the month can also experience Republic Day celebrations on October 29.
Turkey Public Holidays 2027: Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays are there in Turkey in 2027?
Turkey's official 2027 calendar includes New Year's Day, national holidays, Labor and Solidarity Day, Democracy and National Unity Day, Republic Day, and the two major Islamic holidays. Some religious holidays include half-day eves, so the total number of official holiday days depends on whether full and half days are counted separately.
When is Ramadan Bayram in Turkey in 2027?
Ramadan Bayram begins on March 9, 2027, and ends on March 11, 2027. March 8 is the holiday eve and is a half-day holiday beginning at 1:00 PM.
When is Kurban Bayram in Turkey in 2027?
Kurban Bayram begins on May 16, 2027, and ends on May 19, 2027. May 15 is the holiday eve and is a half-day holiday from 1:00 PM.
Is October 29 a public holiday in Turkey?
Yes. October 29, 2027, is Republic Day and a full public holiday throughout Turkey. The holiday begins at 1:00 PM on October 28.
Is May 19 a public holiday in Turkey?
Yes. May 19, 2027, is Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. In 2027, it also coincides with the fourth day of Kurban Bayram.
Is January 1 a public holiday in Turkey?
Yes. January 1, 2027, is New Year's Day and a full public holiday in Turkey.
Is May 1 a public holiday in Turkey?
Yes. May 1, 2027, is Labor and Solidarity Day, an official public holiday in Turkey. It falls on Saturday in 2027.
Does Turkey close during public holidays?
Government offices and official institutions are generally closed on public holidays. However, many hotels, restaurants, cafés, shopping centers and tourism businesses may remain open, although their opening hours can vary.
Turkey Public Holidays 2027: Final Thoughts
Knowing the Turkey public holidays 2027 calendar can make planning a vacation, business trip or road trip much easier.
From the cultural traditions of Ramadan Bayram and Kurban Bayram to national celebrations such as Republic Day, Victory Day, April 23 and May 19, public holidays provide an opportunity to experience another side of Turkey.
At the same time, major holiday periods can bring increased domestic travel, busier airports and roads, and higher demand for accommodation and rental cars.
If you are planning to visit Turkey in 2027, check the holiday calendar before booking your flights, hotel and transportation.
For travelers planning a road trip, booking a rental car in advance can provide greater flexibility and help make it easier to explore Turkey's cities, beaches, historical sites and scenic routes.
CAR RENTAL IN TURKEY
Renting a car during public holidays in Turkey can make your trip more flexible, especially when airports, buses, and popular destinations are busier than usual.
With Rentifa, you can reserve your rental car in advance and enjoy a convenient travel experience with flexible options and professional support.
Whether you are planning a family holiday, a road trip, or a city break, Rentifa Car Rental helps make getting around Turkey easier during busy travel periods.