Turkey Holidays 2026: Full Calendar & Long Weekend Guide

🕌 Religious Holidays in Turkey for 2026

Religious holidays in Turkey are determined by the lunar Hijri calendar, meaning their dates shift each year. In 2026, the major Islamic festivals fall in the spring season.

• Ramadan Feast (Ramazan Bayramı / Şeker Bayramı / Eid al-Fitr)
  • Eve: March 19, 2026 (Thursday) – Half day
  • Holiday: March 20–22, 2026 (Friday–Sunday)
• Sacrifice Feast (Kurban Bayramı / Eid al-Adha)
  • Eve: May 26, 2026 (Tuesday) – Half day
  • Holiday: May 27–30, 2026 (Wednesday–Saturday)

Pro Tip: The dates for the Sacrifice Feast create an exceptional opportunity. By strategically using a few annual leave days, you can extend this period into a 9-day continuous break.

🇹🇷 National and Public Holidays in 2026

These holidays mark pivotal events in Turkish history and are observed nationwide by all government institutions and most businesses.

✈️ Strategic Vacation Planning for 2026

With clever planning, you can transform single holidays into extended breaks. Here are the key opportunities:

1. March – Ramadan Feast: The holiday runs Friday to Sunday. By taking just Thursday, March 19 off, you create a 4-day long weekend.
2. May – The Prime Opportunity (Sacrifice Feast): This is the highlight for planners. The holiday runs from Wednesday to Saturday. Taking just Monday & Tuesday, May 25-26 off connects to the previous weekend, granting a 9-day vacation (May 23 – 31) with minimal leave days used.
3. April & October – Spring & Autumn Mini-Breaks:
   • April 23 (Thursday): Take Friday off for a 4-day weekend.
   • October 29 (Thursday): Take Friday off for a 4-day weekend, or also take Monday, October 26th, for a 5-day break.
4. Summer Long Weekends:
   • July 15 (Wednesday): Take Thursday and Friday off for a 5-day break.
   • August 30 (Sunday): As it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is typically a compensated day off, creating a 3-day weekend.

Important Note: Always confirm your leave with your employer well in advance, especially around religious holidays when travel demand is extremely high. Book flights and accommodation early for the best rates and availability.

✅ Conclusion

The 2026 official holiday calendar in Turkey is filled with potential for memorable getaways and rest periods. You have two major religious festivals offering extended breaks, several national days that can be turned into long weekends, and prime planning opportunities in May, April, and October. By strategically aligning your annual leave with these official dates, you can maximize your time off for travel, family, and relaxation throughout the year.

Complete 2026 Holiday List Summary: Jan 1, Mar 19 (eve), Mar 20-22, Apr 23, May 1, May 19, May 26 (eve), May 27-30, Jul 15, Aug 30, Oct 28 (eve), Oct 29.