Student Guide to Public Holidays and Important Dates in Turkiye
Overview of Public Holidays in 2025
As an international student in Turkiye, understanding the country’s official public holidays and significant dates is crucial for planning your academic, social, and travel activities. Below is a detailed list of the main public holidays observed across Turkiye in 2025.
| Holiday Name | Date(s) | Day(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Marks the start of the new calendar year |
| Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı) | March 30 – April 1 | Sun–Tue | Religious holiday; 3 days celebration |
| (Eid al-Fitr Eve) | March 29 | Saturday | Half day observed prior to the festival |
| National Sovereignty and Children’s Day | April 23 | Wednesday | National holiday, focused on children |
| Labour and Solidarity Day | May 1 | Thursday | Celebrates labor rights |
| Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | May 19 | Monday | National holiday, especially for students |
| Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı) | June 6 – 9 | Fri–Mon | Religious holiday; 4 days celebration |
| (Eid al-Adha Eve) | June 5 | Thursday | Half day observed prior to the festival |
| Democracy and National Unity Day | July 15 | Tuesday | Commemorates recent history, national unity |
| Victory Day | August 30 | Saturday | Honors military victory |
| Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı) | October 29 | Wednesday | Marks founding of the Republic |
| (Republic Day Eve) | October 28 | Tuesday | Half day celebration prior to holiday |
Key Points for Students
Religious Holidays
Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı) and Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı) are significant religious festivals in Turkiye. These holidays are characterized by public celebrations and rituals, and university campuses typically close during these periods, stretching the closure to several days.
National Holidays
Several national holidays, including:
- April 23: National Sovereignty and Children’s Day – Emphasizes national pride, particularly focusing on children’s rights.
- May 19: Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day – Commemorates the founder of the Republic, Atatürk, while celebrating youth and sports.
- August 30: Victory Day – Commemorates the decisive victory in the Battle of Dumlupinar.
- October 29: Republic Day – Marks the establishment of the Republic of Turkiye.
Other Important Dates
Additionally, other significant dates include:
- May 1: Labour and Solidarity Day – Recognized for its significance in labor rights.
- July 15: Democracy and National Unity Day – Commemorates the attempt to overthrow the government.
University Closures
Expect all university administrative departments, libraries, and most on-campus facilities to close on public holidays. Plan accordingly for your academic deadlines and library research.
Travel Considerations
Local and intercity travel can become busier during major holidays, so it’s wise to book your transport tickets in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
Cultural Experience
Engaging in local holiday traditions can enhance your experience in Turkiye and provide deeper insights into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Check Your University’s Academic Calendar
Always check your university’s official academic calendar for updates related to institutional holidays or adjustments in lecture schedules.
Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye
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