Public holidays in 2026 in Türkiye—and the duration of each—are regulated by Law No. 2429 on National Holidays and General Holidays. For the year 2026, the dates and lengths of official holidays are listed in the table below and explained in detail throughout this guide.
This comprehensive resource covers:
- Public holiday dates for 2026
- Working rules during national and general holidays
- Payment obligations for employers
- Half-day (eve day) rules
- Differences between administrative leave and public holidays
2026 Official Holidays in Türkiye
| Holiday | Date | Day | Duration | Days Falling on Weekends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday | 1 day | – |
| Eid al-Fitr | Eve: 19 March 2026 (Half-day) Holiday: 20–22 March 2026 | Thu–Sun | 3.5 days | 2 |
| National Sovereignty and Children’s Day | 23 April 2026 | Thursday | 1 day | – |
| Labor 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 | Eve: 26 May 2026 (Half-day) Holiday: 27–30 May 2026 | Tue–Sat | 4.5 days | 1 |
| Democracy and National Unity Day | 15 July 2026 | Wednesday | 1 day | – |
| Victory Day | 30 August 2026 | Sunday | 1 day | Weekend |
| Republic Day | Eve: 28 October 2026 (Half-day) Holiday: 29 October 2026 | Wed–Thu | 1.5 days | – |
2026 Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Feast)
When is the 2026 Eid al-Fitr Eve?
The eve of Eid al-Fitr falls on Thursday, 19 March 2026, which is a half-day holiday starting from 13:00.
Holiday dates:
- Eve (Half Day): 19 March 2026 – Thursday
- 1st Day: 20 March 2026 – Friday
- 2nd Day: 21 March 2026 – Saturday
- 3rd Day: 22 March 2026 – Sunday
Total Duration
Eid al-Fitr lasts 3.5 days and ends on Sunday, 22 March 2026.
2026 Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
When is the 2026 Eid al-Adha Eve?
The eve of Eid al-Adha is Tuesday, 26 May 2026, and is a half-day holiday from 13:00.
Holiday dates:
- Eve (Half Day): 26 May 2026 – Tuesday
- 1st Day: 27 May 2026 – Wednesday
- 2nd Day: 28 May 2026 – Thursday
- 3rd Day: 29 May 2026 – Friday
- 4th Day: 30 May 2026 – Saturday
Total Duration
Eid al-Adha is a 4.5-day public holiday, ending on Saturday, 30 May 2026.
National Holiday and General Holiday Pay
Employees covered by the Labour Law are entitled to compensation for public holiday work.
If the employee does not work:
They still receive one full day’s wage.
If the employee works on a public holiday:
They must be paid an additional full day’s wage.
→ In total, the employee receives two days’ pay for one working day.
These payments cannot be compensated through time-off; the law requires payment only.
Example:
If a worker earns 2,000 TRY per day, they receive 4,000 TRY for a public-holiday workday.
Legal Basis
Labor Law Article 44:
Working on public holidays requires:
- A collective agreement clause or
- A provision in the employment contract or
- The employee’s approval, if no agreement exists.
Labor Law Article 47:
Employees who do not work on these days receive full pay.
Those who do work must receive an additional day’s wage.
Definition: What Is a Public Holiday?
A public holiday is a day officially recognized for national, historical, or religious significance. In Türkiye, these are defined by Law No. 2429.
List of Public Holidays Under Law No. 2429
- New Year’s Day – 1 January
- 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
- 1 May Labor 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 (starts at 13:00 on 28 October)
- Eid al-Fitr – 3.5 days (starting at 13:00 on the eve)
- Eid al-Adha – 4.5 days (starting at 13:00 on the eve)
Note: Private workplaces must close on 29 October.
Working on Public Holidays
Is working compulsory?
No. Unless a contract states otherwise, employee consent is required.
Is overtime paid on public holidays?
Yes. The law mandates at least one extra full day’s wage.
If unpaid, the employee may resign with just cause.
Administrative Leave vs. Public Holiday
| Administrative Leave | Public Holiday |
|---|---|
| Applies only to civil servants under Law No. 657 | Applies to all employees (public & private) |
| Granted by the government | Defined by statute |
| Not considered an official public holiday | Legally binding national holiday |
What Is an Eve Day? Is It a Holiday?
“Eve Day” refers to the day immediately preceding a religious or national holiday.
In Türkiye, eve days for Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Republic Day are half-day official holidays beginning at 13:00.
Wage Calculation for Eve Days
If the employee works after 13:00 on an eve day, they are entitled to an additional half-day wage, totaling one full day’s pay for the day.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2026 Holidays
Below are legally accurate answers for each specific date in 2026:
- Is 1 January a public holiday?
Yes, New Year’s Day is a public holiday. - Is 18 March a public holiday?
No. - Is 19 March a half-day holiday?
Yes. It is the eve of Eid al-Fitr and is a half-day holiday. - 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. It is the eve of Eid al-Adha. - Is 15 July a public holiday?
Yes. - Is 30 August a public holiday?
Yes, though in 2026 it falls on a Sunday. - Is 28 October a half-day holiday?
Yes, starting at 13.00. - Is 29 October a public holiday?
Yes, total of 1.5 days including the eve. - Is 10 November a public holiday?
No. - Is 31 December a public holiday?
No.
