It’s always important to know a country’s religious and national holidays when planning an event or a trip there. So here’s Turkey’s 2012 holiday dates;

2012 Public & Religious Holidays in Turkey

Sunday, 1 January

New Year’s Day– National Holiday – First day of the new year.

Monday, 23 April

National Sovereignty and Children’s Day– National Holiday – (Commemoration of the first opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in Ankara 1920). Dedicated to the children.

Tuesday, 1 May

Labor and Solidarity Day– National Holiday

Saturday, 19 May

Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth & Sports Day – National Holiday – (The arrival of Atatürk in Samsun in 1919, the beginning of the War of Independence.) Dedicated to the youth.

Saturday, 18 August

Sugar Feast’s Eve– Religious Holiday – ½ day

Sunday, 19 – Tuesday, 21 August

Sugar Feast – Religious Holidays – Three-day festival to celebrate the end of fasting (Ramadan).

Thursday, 30 August

Victory Day– National Holiday – (Victory over the allied forces during the final battle in Dumlupınar in 1922, ending the War of Independence.) Dedicated to the armed forces.

Saturday, 6 October

Liberation of Istanbul– Regional Holiday –( Anniversary of the liberation of Istanbul by Turkish armed forces during the War of Independence.)

Wednesday, 24 October

Feast of the Sacrifice’s Eve– Religious Holiday – ½ day

Thursday, 25 – Sunday, 28 October

Feast of the Sacrifice– Religious Holidays –(Four-day festival where sheep are sacrificed/slaughtered and their meat is distributed to the poor.)

Sunday, 28 October

Republic Day’s Eve– National Holiday – ½ day

Monday, 29 October

Republic Day– National Holiday – (Anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923.)