Public holidays in Turkey and how they affect your travels
People who have traveled to Turkey before may be under the impression that nothing is ever closed, especially when visiting during summer. Still, there are religious holidays and public holidays in Turkey that may affect your travels in one way or another. Below you’ll find a list of public holidays in Turkey in 2019. Some of these holidays are on a fixed date every year, others – such as Sugar Feast or Sacrifice Feast – are on a different time each year, following the Islamic Calendar.
How to use this calendar with public holidays in Turkey?
You can learn more about each holiday and the effect it may have on your travels by clicking on the name of the holiday. If you are using this calendar on a mobile phone, slide to text to the left to see the duration of each holiday. If you want to know more about traveling to Turkey in Ramadan, we have a dedicated post answering your questions about Ramadan in Turkey.
Calendar with public holidays in Turkey 2019
| DATE | DAY | HOLIDAY | DURATION |
| 1 Jan '20 | Wed | New Year's Day | 1 day |
| 23 Apr '20 | Thu | National Sovereignty and Children's Day | 1 day |
| 1 May '20 | Fri | Labor and Solidarity Day | 1 day |
| 19 May '20 | Tue | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | 1 day |
| 23 May '20 | Sat | Sugar Feast Eve | 1/2 Day |
| 24 May '20 | Sun | Sugar Feast | 1 day |
| 25 May '20 | Mon | Sugar Feast Day 2 | 1 day |
| 26 May '20 | Tue | Sugar Feast Day 3 | 1 day |
| 15 Jul '20 | Wed | Democracy and National Unity Day | 1 day |
| 10 Aug '19 | Sat | Sacrifice Feast Eve | 1/2 Day |
| 11 Aug '19 | Sun | Sacrifice Feast | 1 day |
| 12 Aug '19 | Mon | Sacrifice Feast Day 2 | 1 day |
| 13 Aug '19 | Tue | Sacrifice Feast Day 3 | 1 day |
| 14 Aug '19 | Wed | Sacrifice Feast Day 4 | 1 day |
| 30 Aug '19 | Fri | Victory Day | 1 day |
| 29 Oct '19 | Tue | Republic Day | 1 day |
| 10 Nov '19 | Sun | Atatürk Memorial Day | 9:05 am |
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! 😉
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!
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.
May Day in Turkey, May 1st: Labor and Solidarity Day
May Day in Turkey looks pretty much like Labor Day in most other places where it is celebrated. Find out if this will affect your travels 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!
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.
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.
JOIN THE TRIBE, FOLLOW US
