360° Yachting predicts 2023 to be a big year for Türkiye, not only in terms of the general election that will be held in June but also because it’s 100 years since the Republic of Türkiye was established on October 29th 1923, which is sure to be a big event. If you’re planning your cruising itinerary, it’s worth taking note of these public holidays in Türkiye, as banks, schools, government buildings, and many businesses may be closed during these times.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN TURKEY IN 2023

National holidays in Türkiye are a big deal. The flags fly high over the ports, streets, and town squares, and the roads, airports, and marinas become filled with people travelling to spend time with their loved ones. Restaurants, bars, and beaches become packed with those celebrating a day of rest, as do historic sites and attractions, so expect the popular locations to be far busier during these times.

If you are drawing up your 2023 summer itinerary, 360 Yachting a on hand to assist with the entire process and arrange berths and anchorages along the Turkish coast. We can also organise private tours and excursions or book restaurants and spa days in all the best locations for you and the guests to enjoy. During public holidays, arrangements are best organised in advance, so please refer to this list of National Holidays in Türkiye in 2023 for guidance or CONTACT US to make reservations.

JANUARY

January 1st (Sunday) – New Year’s Day 

Although New Year’s Eve is not an official public holiday, many businesses may close early to allow their staff to celebrate the coming of the New Year. Parties are held in town squares, restaurants, hotels, and bars across the country, and fireworks fill the sky in many locations following the all-important countdown. New Year’s Day is a national holiday in Türkiye where locals visit family and feast on roast turkey dinners like Christians on Christmas Day. Gifts and seasonal chocolate are traditionally given to children, and many people make resolutions and plans for the year ahead.

APRIL

21 Apr 2023 (Friday) – 23 Apr 2023 (Sunday) – Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr)

The holy fasting month of Ramadan in Türkiye will start on Thursday, March 23rd and end on Friday, April 21st. The Ramadan Bayram (Eid al-Fitr) public holiday that follows will then run from Friday, April 21st to Sunday, April 23rd. During the month that runs up to the Ramadan celebrations, many Muslim Turks refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours and reserve this time for prayer and reflection. As a result, the resorts and waters around Türkiye tend to be quieter as Turkish tourists remain at home. Once the fasting period ends and during the public holiday that follows, do expect to see the roads, bays, beaches, and attractions far busier as locals eat, drink, and celebrate with their families.

April 23rd 2023 (Sunday) – National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı)

Children’s Day in Türkiye is a well-loved public holiday that commemorates the foundation of the Grand National Assembly on April 23rd 1920. This day celebrates kids, and local schools allow the children to decorate their classrooms, fly flags, hold events, dance in town squares, and run performances throughout the country. Traditionally, some children are even allowed to become politicians every year and assist state officials in their offices.

MAY

1 May 2023 (Monday) – Labour and Solidarity Day (Emek ve Dayanışma Günü)

Labour Day is an official national holiday in Türkiye observed on May 1st. This international holiday commemorates the achievements of the labour movement and is also known as Worker’s Day or May Day in other countries.

19 May 2023 (Friday) – Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (Atatürk’ü Anma Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı)

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk declared May 19th Youth and Sports Day and dedicated it to the youth of the Turkish nation. The date commemorates the start of Türkiye’s War of Independence which ultimately paved the way for modern Türkiye.

JUNE

June 28th 2023 (Wednesday) – July 1st 2023 (Saturday) – Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha)

Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha), or the Feast of Sacrifice, is the second of two main Turkish national holidays and a time when families gather to enjoy each other’s company, share meals, and be thankful for all they have. This Islamic celebration traditionally lasts four days, but the Turkish government tends to extend the holiday at the last minute, so keep an eye on the press closer to the time as the dates may change. During Kurban Bayram, a ram, sheep, goat or cow is often sacrificed, and the meat is then divided into portions and shared with family, friends, and those less fortunate.

JULY

15 Jul 2023 (Saturday) – Democracy and National Unity Day (Demokrasi ve Millî Birlik Günü)

July 15th is Democracy and National Unity Day in Türkiye. The occasion remembers the bravery, unity, and the 259 who lost their lives during the failed coup d’état in 2016.

AUGUST

August 30th 2023 (Wednesday) – Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı)

Victory Day, often referred to as Turkish Armed Forces Day, marks the victory in the Battle of Dumlupınar, which ended on August 30th 1922. Traditionally, officials lay wreaths, and the President of Türkiye gives a speech at Anıtkabir in Ankara. Officials also give talks, and citizens lay remembrance flowers at squares and sites around the country.

OCTOBER

29 Oct 2023 (Sunday) – Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı)

This year Türkiye celebrates 100 years of the Republic of Türkiye, so big celebrations are planned to mark the centenary. The official proceedings are yet to be announced, but traditionally, the holiday starts at 1:00 pm on October 28th and continues for 35 hours. Due to the significance of this year, the public holiday will likely be extended, so please see the press closer to the date for full details.