Children’s Day – April 23rd
Children’s day is a celebration of Turkey’s children and is also a commemorative event to celebrate the life of the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kermal Ataturk. During the day government offices, schools and many businesses will be closed and a number of children’s festivals are held throughout the country.
The main feature event of the day is when Turkish children take seats in parliament and symbolically govern Turkey for the day. The children even elect a president from amongst their ranks who will address the country on national television.
Labour Day – May 1st
Labour day is celebrated on May 1st every year for people to demand better working conditions for skilled workers. Some people may use the day to hold demonstrations, while others will use the day to spend time with family and friends.
Usually they get together for a picnic or meal of some sort, this is an official holiday with government offices, schools and post offices being closed for the day.
Holy Month of Ramadan – May 15th – June 14th
Ramadan for the year 2018 is being celebrated on sundown of May 15th and ending at sundown June 14th. This is the month of fasting, prayer, giving and self-evaluation by Muslims.
Youth & Sports Day – May 19th
The holiday commemorates Mustafa Kemal’s landing at Samsun on 19 May 1919, and is celebrated with state ceremonies and sports events, that are held throughout the country. Young athletes will also carry the Turkish flag across the country, from the Black Sea to the capital in commemoration of the Turkish War of Independence. This is an official holiday with administrative buildings, post offices, schools, and most businesses being closed for the day.
Ramadan (Ramazan Bayran) Feast – June 14th – June 17th
This is a three day festival to celebrate the end of the fast of Ramadan month. This is the time for visiting or being visited by family and friends and all enjoying sweets.
Democracy and National Solidarity Day – July 15th
This event was declared in 2016 after the failed coup attempt by a part of the Turkish Armed forces. The day will include special memorial services dedicated to the armed forces members, policeman and others who took part in putting down the coup but were sadly killed during the conflict. This event now takes place every year on the 15th.
Sacrifice (Kurban Bayran) Feast – August 21st – August 24th
This is a four day festival in which a sacrificed sheep or cow is slaughtered and their meat is given to the poor.
Victory Day – August 30th
Victory Day commemorates the Turkish victory against Greek forces in the Battle of Dumlupnar that took place in 1922. The day is celebrated with many people attending military parades, which are held in most major cities. Locals and shops will also usually decorate their homes and business with Turkish flags and images of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, there are also a number of ceremonies held throughout the day to honour and commemorate Atatürk. Victory Day is an official public holiday but most businesses will remain open, while schools and administrative buildings will be closed.
Republic Day – October 29th
Republic Day is a celebration that marks the creation of the Turkish Republic, during the day many people attend performances at local stadiums that could be anything from theatre performances, poetry readings and even Turkish dances. In the evening Turkish cities hold a procession with flags, musical bands and even firework displays after dark. This is an official national holiday in Turkey so many businesses will be closed along with post offices, schools and administrative buildings.
