Public Holidays in Turkey 2025

The Turkish holiday calendar features significant events and days, contributing to its rich cultural history. With Islam being the prominent religion of the residing population, seven annual national holidays are always on the list. The Turkey Holidays 2025 list includes 15 days when the population can enjoy time off from work.

2025 Turkey Public Holidays – An Overview

Public holidays in Turkey are mostly deep-rooted in cultural significance, historical events, and religious occasions. Turkey Holidays 2025 should be used to take work breaks, spend time with your loved ones, and experience Turkey’s fascinating cultural history and diversity. Every year, the government announces the public holiday calendar for the residing population and visitors to plan their day out.

National Holidays in 2025

• New Year’s Day (January 1,  2025):

Celebrating first day of the new year is one of the best things to do in Turkey in January and is the perfect way to recover from the New Year’s Eve blues. Usually quieter than other days, this day is also used to exchange gifts and greetings with relatives and associates.

• National Sovereignty & Children’s Day (April 23,  2025) :

This day celebrates the inaugural grand national assembly held in 1929. The institution of child protection introduced Children’s Day as well, which highlights the worthiness of the country’s bright future.

• Labor and Solidarity Day (May 1,  2025):

This day celebrates employee contributions to government and non-governmental services. Schools, colleges, and businesses remain closed on this day.

• Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth & Sports Day (May 19,  2025):

This day marks the anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s arrival in Samsun, dating back to 1919, marking the inception of the national liberation movement. Dedicated to the nation’s youth, an annual marathon is conducted for young Turkish athletes between Ankara and Samsun every year to celebrate the country’s unwavering spirit.

• Democracy and National Unity Day (July 15, 2025):

This day marks the rise of the ashes for Turkey. Former president Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared this a public holiday in 2016.

• Victory Day (August 30, 2025):

The outcome of Turkey’s independence war against Greece in the pivotal Dumlumpinar battle was on this day in 1922. Military parades and air force demonstrations mark tribute to the impeccable armed forces.

• Republic Day (October 29, 2025):

The Republic of Turkey celebrates its proclamation in 1923. You will witness numerous parades and street processions on this day.

Religious Holidays in 2025

• Ramadan’s first day (March 1, 2025):

Ramadan eve marks the inception of the holy month of Ramadan, falling in the ninth Islamic calendar month. It focuses on prayer, fasting, religious devotion, and charity.

• Ramadan Feast (March 30, 2025):

This day marks the end of the holy Ramadan month, celebrated with special prayers at the mosque, religious gatherings, festive meals, gift exchanges, and acts of charity.

• Ramadan Feast holiday (March 31 & April 1, 2025):

This two-day holiday marks the end of the Ramadan festivities, where people visit their relatives and friends to exchange gifts and greetings. Schools, colleges, and businesses are closed on this day.

• Sacrifice Feast (June 7 & 8, 2025):

The two-day celebration commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, displaying his true faith in God, the Almighty. God then gave them a ram to be sacrificed in place of his son. Meat sacrifices, mostly goat, sheep, or cow, are offered and hosted as feasts known as daawat for the known ones.

Prominent Observance Holidays in 2025

Christmas Week and New Year’s Eve

This week marks the start of the final week of the calendar. The Hagia Sophia Cathedral hosts the midnight mass on Christmas Eve, where families get together to pray and exchange greetings. The streets are lit, and vivid celebrations are part of the festivities, be it shopping discounts, hosting parties, festive gifts, and exchanges.

New Year’s Eve is more traditionally prominent in major regions of Turkey, where it is celebrated with family and loved ones. Delicious meals and desserts are prepared and hosted, and quality time is spent with each other. Memorable fireworks display at the Bosphorus Strait and cruise parties are quite popular in this region.

Conclusion

The Turkish public holidays are dominated by historical events, cultural significance, and religious occasions. These days celebrate the essential elements that have contributed to the Turkish culture, where the population celebrates, reflects on their past, and spends quality time with their loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the official national holidays in Turkey for 2025?

National Holidays to Turkey 2025 are listed for seven days, which is as follows:

• New Year’s Day
• National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
• Labor and Solidarity Day
• Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth & Sports Day
• Democracy and National Unity Day
• Victory Day
• Republic Day

Q2. State the listed religious Turkey holidays in 2025.

The Turkish government has declared the following days as Religious Holidays in 2025:

• First Day of Ramadan
•  Ramadan Feast
• Sacrifice Feast Eve
• Sacrifice Feast

Q3. What contributes to the public holidays in Turkey?

Public holidays in Turkey are predominately attributed to cultural significance, historical events, and religious occasions.

Q4. Why are events significant to the Turkish culture?

Historical events listed as public holidays in Turkey have a significant impact on Turkish culture, where people reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and spend quality time with each other.

Q5. Are businesses shut down on the Turkish public holidays?

Yes. Both government and non-government offices are shut down on the listed public holidays in Turkey. However, essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, and hospitals remain open.

Q6. Are public transportation modes shut down during the Turkish public holidays?

The frequency of public transportation modes will significantly reduce, and operations will be limited compared to other days. Before planning anything, it is advisable to check the schedule with the local transportation body.

Q7. Do the public holidays in Turkey impact Turkish tourism?

Some attractions remain closed during public holidays, transportation services could be limited. This can slightly impact tourism in Turkey.

Q8. Are there any special delicacies prepared during the Turkish public holidays?

The public holidays in Turkey involve preparing traditional delicacies relished on special festive occasions. Baklava, Pilaf, and kebabs are just some of them.