Public holidays in Turkey for 2026 are governed by Law No. 2429 on National and General Holidays, which defines both the official holiday dates and the duration of each holiday. These rules apply nationwide and are legally binding for both public institutions and private-sector employers.
This guide provides a complete overview of public holidays in Turkey in 2026, including how long each holiday lasts, whether employees are required to work, and how wages must be paid when work is performed on official holidays.
What This Guide Covers
This practical overview explains:
- The full list of public holidays in Turkey for 2026
- How working hours are regulated during official holidays
- Employer wage payment obligations
- The legal treatment of half-days (holiday eves)
- The difference between administrative leave and statutory public holidays
Official Public Holidays in Turkey – 2026 Overview
| Holiday | Date | Day | Length | Weekend Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday | 1 day | – |
| Eid al-Fitr | Eve: 19 March (half-day) Holiday: 20–22 March | Thu–Sun | 3.5 days | 2 days |
| National Sovereignty & Children’s Day | 23 April 2026 | Thursday | 1 day | – |
| Labour and Solidarity Day | 1 May 2026 | Friday | 1 day | – |
| Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth & Sports Day | 19 May 2026 | Tuesday | 1 day | – |
| Eid al-Adha | Eve: 26 May (half-day) Holiday: 27–30 May | Tue–Sat | 4.5 days | 1 day |
| Democracy & National Unity Day | 15 July 2026 | Wednesday | 1 day | – |
| Victory Day | 30 August 2026 | Sunday | 1 day | Weekend |
| Republic Day | Eve: 28 October (half-day) Holiday: 29 October | Wed–Thu | 1.5 days | – |
Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Holiday) – 2026
When is the Eve of Eid al-Fitr in 2026?
The eve of Eid al-Fitr falls on Thursday, 19 March 2026. It is officially recognized as a half-day public holiday starting at 13:00.
Official Dates
- Eve (Half Day): 19 March 2026 – Thursday
- Day 1: 20 March 2026 – Friday
- Day 2: 21 March 2026 – Saturday
- Day 3: 22 March 2026 – Sunday
Total Holiday Length
Eid al-Fitr in 2026 lasts 3.5 days and concludes on Sunday, 22 March 2026.
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) – 2026
When is the Eve of Eid al-Adha in 2026?
The eve of Eid al-Adha is on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, and it is treated as a half-day holiday beginning at 13:00.
Official Dates
- Eve (Half Day): 26 May 2026 – Tuesday
- Day 1: 27 May 2026 – Wednesday
- Day 2: 28 May 2026 – Thursday
- Day 3: 29 May 2026 – Friday
- Day 4: 30 May 2026 – Saturday
Total Holiday Length
Eid al-Adha is observed over 4.5 days, ending on Saturday, 30 May 2026.
Pay Rules for National and General Holidays
Employees covered by the Turkish Labour Law are entitled to special wage protection on public holidays.
If the employee does NOT work
- The employee is paid one full day’s wage as normal.
If the employee DOES work
- The employer must pay an additional full day’s wage.
- This means two days’ pay for one day of work.
⛔ Time off in lieu is not permitted. The law requires direct wage payment.
Example
If an employee’s daily wage is 2,000 TRY, working on a public holiday results in 4,000 TRY total pay for that day.
Legal Framework
Labour Law – Article 44
Work on public holidays is only allowed if:
- It is permitted under a collective bargaining agreement, or
- It is stated in the employment contract, or
- The employee gives explicit consent when no agreement exists.
Labour Law – Article 47
- Employees who do not work on public holidays must still be paid.
- Employees who work must receive an extra day’s wage.
What Is Considered a Public Holiday in Turkey in 2026 ?
A public holiday is a legally recognized day set aside for national, historical, or religious reasons. In Turkey, these holidays are defined exclusively under Law No. 2429.
Public Holidays Defined by Law No. 2429
- New Year’s Day – 1 January
- National Sovereignty and Children’s Day – 23 April
- Labour and Solidarity Day – 1 May
- Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day – 19 May
- Democracy and National Unity Day – 15 July
- Victory Day – 30 August
- Republic Day – 29 October (1.5 days, starting at 13:00 on 28 October)
- Eid al-Fitr – 3.5 days (from 13:00 on the eve)
- Eid al-Adha – 4.5 days (from 13:00 on the eve)
📌 Important: Private-sector workplaces are legally required to close on 29 October (Republic Day).
Working on Public Holidays: Key Questions
Is working mandatory?
No. Employees cannot be required to work unless the contract or agreement allows it or the employee consents.
Is extra pay required?
Yes. At least one additional full day’s wage is mandatory.
Failure to pay allows the employee to terminate the contract for just cause.
Administrative Leave vs. Public Holidays
| Administrative Leave | Public Holiday |
|---|---|
| Applies only to civil servants (Law No. 657) | Applies to all workers |
| Granted by government decision | Established by law |
| Not a statutory public holiday | Legally binding nationwide |
What Is a Holiday Eve Day?
A holiday eve is the day immediately before a religious or national holiday.
In Turkey, the eves of Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Republic Day are recognized as official half-day holidays starting at 13:00.
Wage Rules on Eve Days
If an employee works after 13:00 on an eve day, they are entitled to half a day’s additional wage, bringing total pay to the equivalent of one full day.
Frequently Asked Questions – 2026
Is 1 January a public holiday?
Yes.
Is 18 March a public holiday?
No.
Is 19 March a half-day holiday?
Yes, it is the eve of Eid al-Fitr.
Is 22 April a public holiday?
No.
Is 23 April a public holiday?
Yes.
Is 1 May a public holiday?
Yes.
Is 18 May a public holiday?
No.
Is 19 May a public holiday?
Yes.
Is 26 May a half-day holiday?
Yes, it is the eve of Eid al-Adha.
Is 15 July a public holiday?
Yes.
Is 30 August a public holiday?
Yes, although it falls on a Sunday in 2026.
Is 28 October a half-day holiday?
Yes, starting at 13:00.
Is 29 October a public holiday?
Yes, totaling 1.5 days including the eve.
Is 10 November a public holiday?
No.
Is 31 December a public holiday?
No.