National Sovereignty and Children’s Day – April 23rd
Each year local children will fill the streets, towns and villages across Turkey, marching proudly in their school uniforms alongside fire trucks and police marching bands. The commemorative event is to celebrate the life of the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kermal Ataturk. Songs about the Turkish Republic will be sung and famous moments of Turkish history will be re-enacted.
The main feature of the day is when Turkish children take seats in parliament and symbolically govern Turkey for the day. During the day government offices, schools and many businesses will be closed due to a number of children’s festivals being held throughout the country.
Labour and Solidarity Day – May 1st
Every year labour day is celebrated throughout Turkey for people to demand better working conditions for skilled workers. People use the day to spend time with family and friends, some people use the day to hold demonstrations. Pople usually come together for a picnic or a meal of some sort.
This day is classed as an official holiday so government offices, schools and post offices will be closed.
Holy Month of Ramadan – May 6th – June 3rd
Ramadan for the year 2019 is being celebrated on sundown of May 6th and will end at sundown on June 3rd. This is the month of fasting, prayer, giving and self-evaluation by Muslims.
Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day – May 19th
This annual event commemorates Mustafa Kemal’s landing at Samsun on 19th May 1919 and is celebrated with state ceremonies and a number of sports events held throughout the country.
The event also sees the Turkish Flag being carried by young athletes across the country, from the Black Sea to the capital in commemoration of the Turkish War of Independence. This is an official holiday so schools, offices and most businesses will be closed for the day.
Ramadan (Ramazan Bayran) Feast – June 4th – June 6th
This annual event is a festival to celebrate the end of the fast of Ramadan month. People are visited by or go and visit family and friends and enjoy a feast of sweets and chocolates.
Democracy and National Solidarity Day – July 15th
This day was declared back in 2016 after the failed coup attempt by part of the Turkish Armed forces. Special memorial services will be dedicated to those who lost their lives trying to end the coup.
Sacrifice (Kurban Bayran) Feast – August 11th – August 14th
This annual four day festival sees animals such as sheep or cows being sacrificed and slaughtered so their meat can then be given to the poor.
Victory Day – August 30th
This day commemorates Turkey’s victory against Greek forces in the Battle of Dumlupnar that took place back in 1922. People celebrate the day by attending military parades, which will be held in most major cities.
Turkish Flags and images of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk will be displayed in homes, shops and businesses, plus there will be a number of ceremonies held throughout the day to honour and commemorate Ataturk.
Republic Day – October 29th
This day celebrates the creation of the Turkish Republic. Throughout the day many people attend performances at local stadiums where there are theatre performances, poetry readings and Turkish dances. The evening sees Turkish cities holding a procession of flags, musical bands and firework displays.
