Friday 1st January

New Years Eve -- National Holiday

Turks celebrate the first day of the new year. Public services, schools, post offices and many businesses, remain closed on this day. The public transportation run less frequently and late in the afternoon the highways may be overcrowded because of the people returning from their home towns

Saturday 23th April

Sovereignty and Children's Day -- National Holiday

Turks celebrate the commemoration of the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in Ankara (1920). It is a day dedicated to the children. Public services, schools and most businesses, remain closed during the day

Sunday 1th May

Labor and Solidarity Day -- National Holiday

Public services, schools and post offices, remain closed during the day. However many businesses and shops are open. The routes of public trasportation may change in the event of street protests. Tourists should avoid areas like Taksim and Istiklal (city center), because it is the area where all the demonstrations take place. On 1st of May, some of the main roads also remain closed, such as Tarlabasi street and Cumhuriyet street

Thursday 19th May

Youth and Sports Day -- National Holiday

Public services, schools and post offices, remain closed during the day. The routes of public transportation may change because of possible Gymnastic events. On the same day Turks also celebrate the landing of Mustafa Kemal at Samsun (19 May 1919), which marked the beginning of the Turkish war of Independence

Tuesday-Thursday 5-7th June

Sugar Feast -- Religious Holiday

This 3-day feast marks the end of Ramazan (fasting). Public services, schools and many businesses remain closed during the day. Public transportation may run less frequently and the fares are lower. The highways are usually overcrowded, especially during the morning hours

Tuesday 30th August

Victory Day -- National Holiday

Turks celebrate the victory at the final battle ending the Indepedence War. It is a day dedicated to armed forces. Public services and schools, remain closed during the day. Private companies are open until noon and large supermarkets stay open all day. In the event of street parades, public transportation may change its schedule. Vatan Street, main street in the city, remain closed

Monday- Thursday 12-15th September

Sacrifice Feast -- Religious Holiday

Also known as the Kurban Feast, it is a four day holiday which includes sacrifing of animals and helping the poor people.  Public services, banks, schools and post offices, remain closed during these days. Supermarkets and many shops usually remain open.  Public transportation may run less frequently and the fares are lower. All highways are overcorowded because Turks visit their families during those days

Thursday 29th October

Republic Day -- National Holiday

This day marks the creation of the Turkish Republic in 1923.  After Turkey’s victory in the War of Independence, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, became the country’s first president on the same day. Public services, schools, post offices and many small business, remain closed. In the event of street demostrations, the routes of public transportation may change. Vatan Street, which is a main street in the city, remain closed during the day