Turkey is a land deeply rooted to its millennia-old traditions while its more cosmopolitan cities Istanbul and capital, Ankara, accommodate changes brought about by its proximity to more forward-looking European cities. While devoutly Islam, Turkey acknowledges the need to celebrate nationally significant events on equal frequency with religious festivities.
Keep in mind that traveling to Turkey during Islamic holidays may present certain difficulties especially in procuring items or engaging in activities that travelers from the West and non-Islamic nations are used to (pork, alcohol, nightlife). Being flexible is key in making the most of your time in this country that is literally at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.
Below is the list of Turkey public holidays 2014.
New Year’s Day, Wednesday 1 January 2014
Turkey observes the worldwide celebration of the first day of the Gregorian calendar although for religious purposes, it keeps and follows the Islamic calendar which usually starts in November.
National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, Wednesday 23 April 2014
On this day in 1920, Turkey convened its first ever Grand National Assembly in the capital after the Allied forces left Anatolia. While celebrated as a highly nationalistic event, this day also acknowledges the role of children in nation-building.
May Day, Thursday 1 May 2014
Known as Labor Day elsewhere in the world, Turkey pays tribute to its laborers for their social and economic contribution to the society.
Commemoration of Ataturk and Youth and Sports Day, Monday 19 May 2014
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is highly regarded as the father of the Republic of Turkey after he led a successful campaign against Allied occupants after World War I. The war started on this day in 1919 and ended July 24, 1923 after the Treaty of Lausanne was signed.
Ramazan Bayrami, Monday to Wednesday, 28-30 July 2014
Widely known as the end of Ramadan elsewhere in the Muslim world, Ramazan Bayrami is celebrated in Turkey for three days with banquets of food after a month of physical and spiritual purification.
Victory Day, Saturday 30 August 2014
On this day in 1922, Turkey triumphed over the Allies in Dumlupinar, ending the war for independence. Celebrations on this day are dedicated to the Armed Forces.
Liberation of Izmir, Tuesday 9 September 2014
Observed only in the province of Izmir, this day commemorates the last conflict with the Allies after Greece sustained heavy losses in Dumlupinar earlier in August.
Liberation of Istanbul, Monday 6 October 2014
Istanbul will commemorate the 91st year of its liberation next year in a wreath-laying ceremony before the Taksim Republic Monument in Taksim Square. British, Italian and French warships left the shores of Istanbul on this day in 1923.
Kurban Bayrami, Friday to Tuesday, 3-7 October 2014
Offering sacrifice is central to the Muslim faith. The Feast of Sacrifice, which is celebrated for four days (and the latter half of the day before the first official day), is thus a major event in Turkey marked by the ritual slaughter of livestock.
Republic Day, Wednesday 29 October 2014
Although the country chose to be a republic on April 23, 1920, it would be more than three years before the rest of the world would recognize Turkey as such. The Treaty of Lausanne, which ended previous Turkish wars with Armenia, Greece and France, was only signed in July 1923 and eventually paved the way for the creation of the Grand National Assembly who established the republic and declared it on this day in 1923.
