Public holidays in Turkey for the year 2026 are determined in accordance with Law No. 2429 on National Holidays and General Holidays. This legislation establishes which days are officially recognized as holidays, how long each holiday lasts, and how these days must be treated by employers across both the public and private sectors.
These rules are mandatory nationwide and directly affect working schedules, payroll calculations, and employee rights. Below is a detailed and practical guide to the 2026 public holiday calendar in Turkey, including work obligations, wage rules, and special provisions for half-day holidays.
What You Will Find in This Guide
This overview is designed to clarify:
- All official public holidays in Turkey for 2026
- The legal rules governing work performed on holidays
- Employer payment responsibilities on public holidays
- How half-day holidays (holiday eves) are treated
- The distinction between administrative leave and statutory public holidays
Official Public Holiday Calendar – Turkey 2026
National and Religious Holidays
- New Year’s Day
1 January 2026 (Thursday) – 1 day - Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Holiday)
Eve: 19 March 2026 (Thursday – half-day)
Holiday: 20–22 March 2026 (Friday–Sunday)
Total: 3.5 days - National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
23 April 2026 (Thursday) – 1 day - Labour and Solidarity Day
1 May 2026 (Friday) – 1 day - Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
19 May 2026 (Tuesday) – 1 day - Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
Eve: 26 May 2026 (Tuesday – half-day)
Holiday: 27–30 May 2026 (Wednesday–Saturday)
Total: 4.5 days - Democracy and National Unity Day
15 July 2026 (Wednesday) – 1 day - Victory Day
30 August 2026 (Sunday) – 1 day - Republic Day
Eve: 28 October 2026 (Wednesday – half-day)
Holiday: 29 October 2026 (Thursday)
Total: 1.5 days
Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Feast) – 2026 Details
When Is the Eve?
The eve of Eid al-Fitr falls on Thursday, 19 March 2026. It is legally considered a half-day public holiday, beginning at 13:00.
Holiday Schedule
- 19 March (Thursday): Half-day
- 20 March (Friday): Day 1
- 21 March (Saturday): Day 2
- 22 March (Sunday): Day 3
Total duration: 3.5 days
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) – 2026 Details
When Is the Eve?
The eve of Eid al-Adha occurs on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, and is also recognized as a half-day holiday from 13:00 onward.
Holiday Schedule
- 26 May (Tuesday): Half-day
- 27 May (Wednesday): Day 1
- 28 May (Thursday): Day 2
- 29 May (Friday): Day 3
- 30 May (Saturday): Day 4
Total duration: 4.5 days
Wage Rules on Public Holidays
Employees covered by the Turkish Labour Law are protected by specific wage rules on national and general holidays.
If the Employee Does Not Work
- The employee must still receive their full daily wage.
If the Employee Works
- The employer must pay one additional full day’s wage.
- This results in double pay for one working day.
🚫 Compensatory leave is not allowed in place of payment.
Example
If an employee earns 2,000 TRY per day, working on a public holiday entitles them to 4,000 TRY for that day.
Legal Basis for Holiday Work
Labour Law – Article 44
Work on public holidays is permitted only if:
- A collective bargaining agreement allows it, or
- The employment contract includes such a provision, or
- The employee gives explicit consent when no agreement exists
Labour Law – Article 47
- Employees who do not work must still be paid in full
- Employees who work must receive an additional day’s wage
What Qualifies as a Public Holiday?
A public holiday is a day officially designated for national, historical, or religious reasons. In Turkey, only the holidays listed under Law No. 2429 qualify as statutory public holidays.
Public Holidays Defined by Law No. 2429
- 1 January – New Year’s Day
- 23 April – National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
- 1 May – Labour and Solidarity Day
- 19 May – Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
- 15 July – Democracy and National Unity Day
- 30 August – Victory Day
- 29 October – Republic Day (1.5 days)
- Eid al-Fitr – 3.5 days
- Eid al-Adha – 4.5 days
📌 Important: Private-sector workplaces must legally close on 29 October (Republic Day).
Working on Public Holidays: Common Questions
Is holiday work mandatory?
No. Employees cannot be forced to work unless the contract or agreement permits it or the employee consents.
Is extra payment compulsory?
Yes. Failure to pay the additional wage gives the employee the right to terminate the contract for just cause.
Administrative Leave vs. Public Holiday
| Administrative Leave | Public Holiday |
|---|---|
| Applies only to civil servants | Applies to all employees |
| Granted by government decision | Established by law |
| Not a statutory holiday | Legally binding nationwide |
What Is a Holiday Eve?
A holiday eve refers to the day immediately before a major religious or national holiday. In Turkey, the eves of Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Republic Day are officially recognized as half-day holidays starting at 13:00.
Pay Rules on Eve Days
If an employee works after 13:00 on an eve day, they are entitled to an additional half-day wage, resulting in pay equivalent to a full working 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
- 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
- Is 15 July a public holiday? Yes
- Is 30 August a public holiday? Yes (Sunday)
- Is 28 October a half-day holiday? Yes, from 13:00
- Is 29 October a public holiday? Yes (1.5 days total)
- Is 10 November a public holiday? No
- Is 31 December a public holiday? No