Atatürk Memorial Day: the day when time stood still
Atatürk Memorial Day isn’t a public holiday. Still, it deserves a place in this list because if you are traveling to Turkey on November 10th, you will most probably witness the whole country in a moment of silence. Every year, at 09:05 am on November 10th public life comes to a halt. You may take this quite literally as cars stop in the middle of the road, public transport stops, the people stand up, and sirens roar to pay tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Time stands still on Atatürk Memorial Day
Even today, when visiting Dolmabahçe Palace, the place where Atatürk stayed when he was visiting Istanbul, and also the place where he died, all of the clocks stand still at 09:05 am. So, if you’re in the country on November 10th, and you see symbols of clocks that stopped at 09:05, or you witness people holding a moment of silence, you know what the origin of this intense moment is. It is a powerful and deep impression to see a metropole such as Istanbul come to a halt in remembrance of the founder of the republic.
For a complete overview of religious and public holidays in Turkey, please consult our dedicated calendar.
We’re all different people, so checking reviews on TripAdvisor is always a good idea! Just know we’ve visited each place personally and all photos are our own. So, basically, what you see is what you get. If you have any questions about a place, feel free to ask. You can send us a message through our contact page, or join our closed Facebook group where other Turkey travelers and aficionados are ready and eager to help.
Turkey is a perfectly safe country to travel, except for these risks. Still, you should never travel without proper insurance. We love World Nomads’ travel insurance. We love their philosophy and their take on responsible travel, but also the fact that they cover popular activities in Turkey such as paragliding or balloon rides.
Clicking these links will take you to pages of places and products we love and we’ve tested. If you happen to book or buy something, we may earn a small commission from it, at no extra cost to you. So here’s a thank you for adding some coins to the tip-box! 😉
You must have guessed it already, we’re independent travelers. Joining groups for excursions or activities isn’t really our cup of tea. But we fully understand that not everyone is keen on exploring Turkey on their own. That’s when Get Your Guide comes in handy. They offer plenty of activities and sightseeing tours that you can pre-book online.
If you’re more into a personalized experience while enjoying the services of a guide, Tours by Locals may be what you’re looking for! We just love them! You get the knowledge and assistance of a local, and the experience of independent traveling. Best of both worlds, really.
Clicking these links will take you to pages of places and products we love and we’ve tested. If you happen to book or buy something, we may earn a small commission from it, at no extra cost to you. So here’s a thank you for adding some coins to the tip-box! 😉
We still love to use Booking.com when searching for the perfect hotel or vacation rental in Turkey. Unfortunately, the website isn’t accessible from within Turkey without the use of a VPN. If you don’t have a VPN, and you’re already in Turkey, Hotels.com is a good alternative.
Clicking these links will take you to pages of places and products we love and we’ve tested. If you happen to book or buy something, we may earn a small commission from it, at no extra cost to you. So here’s a thank you for adding some coins to the tip-box! 😉
When searching for flights, we like to use Skyscanner. It’s easy to use, and reliable. Find the best flights to Turkey and domestic flights that will take you all around the country here.
Do you prefer some good old road tripping? Once you get used to the unconventional driving style in Turkey, you’ll love to hit the road. After all, it’s all about the journey, and you may expect some very scenic rides! Renting a car in Turkey is easy. If you’re looking for an established car rental company that allows pick-up and drop-off at different airports, check out Europcar. They have offices all over Turkey.
Clicking these links will take you to pages of places and products we love and we’ve tested. If you happen to book or buy something, we may earn a small commission from it, at no extra cost to you. So here’s a thank you for adding some coins to the tip-box! 😉
You may also like these posts:
Ramadan in Turkey: all you need to know
Are you traveling during Ramadan in Turkey? Then read this to learn what it is, if it will affect your travels and when it is. Check the FAQ’s!
Public holidays in Turkey and how they affect your travels
Check out how public holidays in Turkey can affect your travels. Find a detailed overview of all national & religious holidays in Turkey & what to expect.
May 19 Holiday: Commemoration of Atatürk Youth and Sports Day
Traveling to Turkey on the May 19 Holiday? Turkey is celebrating Atatürk Commemoration Day and Youth and Sports Day. Read all about it here.
You may also like these posts:
Ramadan in Turkey: all you need to know
Are you traveling during Ramadan in Turkey? Then read this to learn what it is, if it will affect your travels and when it is. Check the FAQ’s!
Public holidays in Turkey and how they affect your travels
Check out how public holidays in Turkey can affect your travels. Find a detailed overview of all national & religious holidays in Turkey & what to expect.
Check the weather
Never wonder about the weather in Turkey again. The Turkish climate is as diverse as the country with significant differences between the regions.
This page contains the current weather and weather statistics for all regions in Turkey.
Prepare your trip
How to order a tourist visa for Turkey?
What about public transport?
Can you skip the line at Istanbul Airports?
General Turkey travel information, essential to help prepare your trip, on one page!
Work with us
Get direct access to your target audience with a proven interest in Turkey. People call us their Turkey Bible!
Contact us for a feature on our map, a destination guide, a photo shoot, or any form of professional Turkey-related content.
Ask a traveler
Are you unsure about a destination, activity or hotel? Why don’t you ask other travelers about their experience?
We have a closed Facebook group where you can ask all Turkey-related questions. You’ll get solid advice and travel inspiration.
Check the weather
Never wonder about the weather in Turkey again. The Turkish climate is as diverse as the country with significant differences between the regions.
This page contains the current weather and weather statistics for all regions in Turkey.
Prepare your trip
How to order a tourist visa for Turkey?
What about public transport?
Can you skip the line at Istanbul Airports?
General Turkey travel information, essential to help prepare your trip, on one page!
Work with us
Get direct access to your target audience with a proven interest in Turkey. People call us their Turkey Bible!
Contact us for a feature on our map, a destination guide, a photo shoot, or any form of professional Turkey-related content.
Ask a traveler
Are you unsure about a destination, activity or hotel? Why don’t you ask other travelers about their experience?
We have a closed Facebook group where you can ask all Turkey-related questions. You’ll get solid advice and travel inspiration.
