The two major religious holidays: the bayrams
Religious holiday dates follow the lunar calendar: they move back by about eleven days each year. Turkey fixes them in advance by astronomical calculation, through the Diyanet, and they can differ by a day from those of other countries.
| Holiday | Dates in 2027 | Public holiday days |
|---|---|---|
| Ramazan Bayramı (end of Ramadan) | Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 March | 3 days, plus the half-day on Monday 8 March (arife) |
| Kurban Bayramı (feast of the sacrifice) | Sunday 16 to Wednesday 19 May | 4 days, plus the half-day on Saturday 15 May (arife) |
Ramazan Bayramı follows the month of fasting: see our page on Ramadan in Istanbul. In 2027 the last day of Kurban Bayramı, 19 May, coincides with the national holiday of 19 May. The state sometimes extends bayrams by decree with bridging days, so the actual length is announced shortly before the holiday.
Fixed-date national holidays
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day |
| 23 April | National Sovereignty and Children's Day |
| 1 May | Labour 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 (from the afternoon of 28 October) |
These days are public holidays across the country. On 29 October in particular, the city is hung with flags.
What closes, what stays open
- Bazaars. The Grand Bazaar closes during the bayrams, and so do many shops in the Spice Bazaar and shopping districts.
- National museums. On the first day of Ramazan Bayramı, museums run by the Ministry of Culture normally open only in the early afternoon, and the national palaces stay closed; several major sites nevertheless opened at normal hours in 2026. Check the official site before you go, especially for Topkapı.
- Restaurants and cafés. Most stay open in tourist districts, notably Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu and Kadıköy, but some neighbourhood restaurants close.
- Banks and offices. They close on public holidays: withdraw cash the day before (see money, payment and tipping).
- Pharmacies. A duty pharmacy stays open in each district; see our guide to health in Istanbul.
Travelling during a bayram
- Mass departures. Many Istanbulites leave the city: roads, stations and airports are jammed just before and just after the holiday, while central streets are calmer.
- Accommodation and tickets. Hotels on the coast and in nearby towns are full: book early. In Istanbul itself, the start and end of the holiday are the busiest moments; see where to stay in Istanbul.
- Transport. Timetables may be adapted during the holidays: check the official announcements the day before. Network details are in our guide to getting around Istanbul.
- Atmosphere. Families visit each other and children are given sweets: it is a warm time for a visitor, as long as you do not want to see everything.
Key points
Mark 9 to 11 March and 16 to 19 May 2027 in your calendar, plus the fixed national holidays, and avoid scheduling the Grand Bazaar or a national palace on those days. To fill a day when many places close, see free Istanbul and what to do when it rains, and for the best time of year, our guide to the best time to visit Istanbul.
