Public holidays in Turkey can vary slightly from year to year, as some holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, while others are fixed. Here is a list of the main public holidays in Turkey.
Here is a list of the main public holidays in Turkey.
Celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
Commemorates the foundation of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 1920 and is dedicated to children.
Celebrates the achievements and rights of workers.
Honors Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, and celebrates Turkish youth and sports.
- Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
A significant Islamic holiday where animals are sacrificed to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son.
Celebrates the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923.
Commemorates the victory in the Battle of Dumlupınar, which marked a turning point in the Turkish War of Independence.
Commemorates the Çanakkale Naval Battle during World War I and is a day to honor all Turkish martyrs.
Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, observed on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal.
Marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year.
An important religious observance in Islam, particularly for Shiite Muslims.
These are the main public holidays in Turkey. Additionally, there may be regional holidays and observances, so it’s a good idea to check the official government announcements for any updates or changes in holiday dates.
When is Eid al-Fitr in 2023?
In 2023, Eid al-Fitr’s eve will be on Thursday, April 20th. April 20th will be a half-day public holiday starting from 13:00. This holiday will span a total of 3.5 days. Below are the dates for Eid al-Fitr and its corresponding days in 2023:
- Eid al-Fitr Eve (Ramadan): April 20, 2023 | Thursday (Half Day)
- Eid al-Fitr First Day: April 21, 2023 | Friday
- Eid al-Fitr Second Day: April 22, 2023 | Saturday
- Eid al-Fitr Third Day: April 23, 2023 | Sunday
How Long is the 2023 Eid al-Fitr Holiday?
Eid al-Fitr in 2023 will be observed for a total of 3.5 days. It will commence on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 13:00 (Half Day) and conclude on Sunday, April 23, 2023.
When Does Eid al-Fitr 2023 End?
In 2023, Eid al-Fitr will commence on Thursday, April 20th (eve) and conclude on Sunday, April 23rd.
When is Eid al-Adha in 2023?
In 2023, Eid al-Adha’s eve falls on Tuesday, June 27th. However, the Eid al-Adha holiday in 2023 extends from Monday, June 26th to Tuesday, June 27th, totaling 9 days as part of administrative leave. The Eid al-Adha holiday, which begins on June 24th for public employees, will conclude on Monday, July 3rd. Here are the dates for Eid al-Adha and its corresponding days in 2023:
- Eid al-Adha Eve: June 27, 2023 | Tuesday (Half Day)
- Eid al-Adha First Day: June 28, 2023 | Wednesday
- Eid al-Adha Second Day: June 29, 2023 | Thursday
- Eid al-Adha Third Day: June 30, 2023 | Friday
- Fourth Day of Eid al-Adha: July 1, 2023 | Saturday
How Long is the 2023 Eid al-Adha Holiday?
In 2023, Eid al-Adha in Turkey will span a total of 4.5 days. The holiday will commence at 13:00 on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 (Half Day) and continue until Saturday, July 1 (inclusive). Notably, during the 2023 Eid al-Adha holiday period, both Monday, June 26, and Tuesday, June 27, will be considered as part of administrative leave, extending the holiday to a total of 9 days for certain individuals. For public employees, the Eid al-Adha holiday will begin on June 24 and conclude on Monday, July 3.
The Labor Law in Turkey guarantees employee compensation for working on national holidays and public holidays. Unless otherwise specified in employment contracts, working on these days requires the employee’s consent. Even if the employee does not work on national holidays and public holidays, they are entitled to receive their full daily wage. In cases where employees do work on these days without taking a holiday, employers are obligated to pay an additional day’s full wage for each day worked. For instance, if an employee’s daily gross wage is 800 Turkish Lira, their daily gross wage for working on public holidays would be 1,600 Turkish Lira. These payment terms can be further detailed in individual or collective labor agreements.
According to Article 44 of the Labor Law No. 4857, “Whether or not employees are required to work on national holidays and general holidays is determined by collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts. In the absence of provisions in these agreements, the employee’s approval is necessary to work on such days.”
Article 47 of the Labor Law No. 4857 states, “Workers in workplaces covered by this Law who do not work on days recognized as national holidays and general holidays in the laws shall receive their full wages for those days without working. If they choose to work on these days without taking a holiday, they shall also receive one day’s wage for each day worked. In workplaces where the percentage method is applied, the wages for national holidays and general holidays are paid to the worker by the employer.”
A public holiday is a legal designation of days with national, religious, or cultural significance, which can vary from country to country.
Public holidays and their durations are clearly outlined in Law No. 2429 on National Holidays and General Holidays. Official holidays and their durations are as follows:
- New Year’s Day: January 1 is an official holiday.
- April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day: April 23 is a public holiday.
- Labor and Solidarity Day: May 1 is a public holiday.
- May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day: May 19 is a public holiday.
- Democracy and National Unity Day: July 15 is a public holiday.
- August 30 Victory Day: August 30 is a public holiday.
- October 29 Republic Day: It begins at 13:00 on October 28 and continues on October 29, constituting a total of 1.5 days. On October 29, private businesses must close.
- Eid al-Fitr: It begins at 13:00 on the Eve Day and spans a total of 3.5 days.
- Eid al-Adha: It begins at 13:00 on the Eve Day and spans a total of 4.5 days.
According to the Labor Law, employers cannot compel employees to work on public holidays. In the absence of differing terms in employment contracts, employee consent is necessary for work on such days.
The law mandates payment of overtime wages on public holidays. According to the law, an additional day’s wage must be paid for one day of work on public holidays. However, this rate may vary based on labor contracts. In cases of unpaid overtime wages on public holidays, employees have the right to terminate their employment contracts through justified termination.
National Holiday and General Holiday Pay is the wage that employees should receive when working on holidays designated by law. To be eligible for this pay, employees must work in compliance with the Labor Law. Employees working on National Holidays and General Holidays receive their full wages without deductions. However, for working on these days without taking a holiday, employees are entitled to one extra day’s wage for each day worked.
According to the Labor Law, employers cannot compel employees to work on public holidays. In the absence of differing terms in employment contracts, employee consent is necessary for work on such days.
Administrative leave, distinct from public holidays, applies only to civil servants governed by Law No. 657. During administrative leave, employees receive their wages for the leave days without deductions, and their annual leave balance remains unaffected.
Administrative leave is not synonymous with a public holiday. Public holidays are inclusive of both public and private sector employees, while administrative leave applies exclusively to civil servants under the jurisdiction of Law No. 657.
Eve Day traditionally referred to the day before Eid al-Adha but has since expanded to include the day preceding Eid al-Fitr and other religious or national holidays.
The days leading up to religious or national holidays are considered Eve Days and are designated as half-day official holidays. In addition to Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, the Eve of Republic Day is also observed as a half-day holiday, resulting in a total of 1.5 Eve Days annually.
Eve Days are classified as half-day official holidays starting from 13:00. Employees working after 13:00 on these days are entitled to an additional half-day’s wage. In essence, they receive a full day’s wage. employees receive their wages for the leave days without deductions, and their annual leave balance remains unaffected.
January 1 is a public holiday in recognition of New Year’s Day. Employees working on January 1 are considered to be working an official holiday shift. In 2023, January 1 falls on a Sunday.
March 18, commemorating Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs’ Remembrance Day, is not a public holiday.
In 2023, Eid al-Fitr begins on Thursday, April 20, the Eve Day. April 20 is considered a public holiday starting from 13:00, constituting a half-day of work. Nevertheless, as it is a public holiday, employees are entitled to receive a full day’s wage.
April 22 is not a public holiday. However, in 2023, the second day of Eid al-Fitr falls on Saturday, April 22.
April 23, National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, is a public holiday. In 2023, the last day of Eid al-Fitr, which spans 3.5 days starting on Thursday, April 20, falls on Sunday, April 23.
May 1, celebrated as Labor and Solidarity Day, is a public holiday. In 2023, May 1 falls on a Monday.
May 18 is not a public holiday. In 2023, May 18 falls on a Thursday.
May 19, commemorating Atatürk and Youth Sports Day, is a public holiday. In 2023, May 19 falls on a Friday.
In 2023, Eid al-Adha commences on the evening of Tuesday, June 27. June 27 is designated as a public holiday starting at 13:00, signifying a half-day of work. Since it is an official holiday, employees are entitled to a full day’s wage.
July 15, observed as Democracy and National Unity Day, is a public holiday. In 2023, July 15 falls on a Saturday.
August 30, celebrated as Victory Day, is a public holiday. In 2023, August 30 falls on a Wednesday.
October 28 is recognized as a public holiday beginning at 13:00. In 2023, October 28 falls on a Saturday.
October 29, Republic Day, is a public holiday. The holiday starts at 13:00 on October 28 and continues on October 29, totaling 1.5 days. On October 29, private businesses are required to close.
November 10, the day commemorating the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is not a public holiday.
December 31 is not a public holiday.
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