Turkey Travel Guide - Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year's Day.
23 Apr National Sovereignty and Children's Day.
1 May May Day Public Holiday (Istanbul only).
19 May Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day.
30 Aug Victory Day.
29 Sep-2 Oct (29th is half-day) Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan).
28-29 Oct (28th is a half-day) Republic Day.
8-11 Dec Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice).

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
23 Apr National Sovereignty and Children's Day.
1 May May Day Public Holiday (Istanbul only).
19 May Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day.
30 Aug Victory Day.
19-22 Sep (19th is half-day) Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan).
28-29 Oct (28th is a half-day) Republic Day.
27-30 Nov Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice).

Muslim festivals are timed according to the phases of the moon and change each year. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Ramazan Bayrami, Muslims fast during the day and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Generally, centres of tourism are unaffected. Some disruption may continue into Ramazan Bayrami itself. Ramazan Bayrami and Kurban Bayrami may last anything from three to 10 days, depending on the region. Transport and hotels are very busy during these holidays, so book in advance.