What are the main Islamic holidays in Turkey?

The two Bayrams: Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr, three days, marking the end of Ramadan) and Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha, four days, marking the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ). Turkey also observes five Kandil nights and Aşure Günü, the Day of Ashura.

Why is Eid al-Fitr called the Sugar Feast in Turkey?

Ramazan Bayramı is popularly known as Şeker Bayramı — the Sugar Feast — because of the sweets exchanged and served throughout the three days, particularly baklava and lokum (Turkish delight).

Should I avoid travelling to Turkey during Bayram?

Not at all — but plan for it. The whole country travels home, so roads, transport and hotels are busy and prices rise. Book well ahead and you will experience the holiday at its best rather than getting caught out by it.

Will everything be closed?

Government offices and banks close over the Bayrams, and some businesses shorten their hours. Major attractions generally stay open and tourist-area restaurants and shops usually trade as normal — but check specific opening times, as they shift over the holiday.

Can you arrange a trip to Turkey around these dates?

Yes. Tell us your dates and we'll tell you which holidays fall within them, what to expect and what will be open — then arrange flights, hotels and guides to suit.

Ramazan Bayramı · Kurban Bayramı · the Kandil nights

Islamic Holidays in Turkey: Bayram, Kandil & Travelling Around Them

Turkey keeps the Islamic calendar with real warmth — and if you are travelling there, the holidays will shape your trip. Here is what each one is, when things get busy, and how to plan around them. Or better: how to plan for them.

By the Mina Tours team · Updated July 2026

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In this guide

Ramazan Bayramı — Eid al-Fitr — the three-day Sugar Feast that ends the fast of Ramadan.
Kurban Bayramı — Eid al-Adha — four days marking the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ.
The Kandil nights — Five holy nights through the year, marked with prayer and mosque gatherings.
Plan ahead — Roads, transport and hotels fill up as the whole country travels home.

Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr)

Known affectionately as Şeker Bayramı — the Sugar Feast — this three-day holiday marks the end of the fast. Families gather, children are given sweets and small gifts, and the baklava and lokum come out in quantity. Zakat al-fitr is paid before the Eid prayer, and many people visit the graves of relatives to pray for them.

For a traveller the practical effect is simple: the entire country is on the move. Intercity roads, buses and domestic flights fill up, and hotels in the popular cities go quickly.

Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha)

The Festival of Sacrifice, marking Prophet Ibrahim's ﷺ willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. Families perform the qurbani and the meat is shared between relatives, neighbours and those in need. It runs for four days and is the bigger of the two Bayrams in travel terms — offices close and the roads are at their busiest.

It is a genuinely moving time to be in Turkey if you plan for it. If you do not, you will spend a good part of it in traffic.

The Kandil nights and Aşure Günü

Beyond the two Bayrams, Turkey marks five holy nights — the Kandils — each observed with prayers and mosque gatherings:

Mevlid Kandili — the birth of the Prophet ﷺ.

Regaip Kandili — the beginning of the holy months.

Miraç Kandili — the Night Journey and Ascension.

Berat Kandili — the night of forgiveness, and preparation for Ramadan.

Aşure Günü — the Day of Ashura, marked by cooking aşure, the sweet pudding shared with neighbours as a symbol of community and harmony.

The Kandils do not disrupt travel the way the Bayrams do. Mosques are simply fuller and warmer than usual, which is rather the point of being there for one.

Opening hours during the holidays

Over the Bayrams, government offices and banks close, and many businesses shorten their hours or shut entirely. Major tourist attractions generally stay open — but check before you go, because timings shift. Restaurants and shops in tourist areas mostly carry on as normal; smaller local places may close for part of a day.

Public transport runs to altered timetables and the streets are busy with people travelling to family. A little planning turns all of that from an obstacle into the best part of the trip.

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Common questions

What are the main Islamic holidays in Turkey?: The two Bayrams: Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr, three days, marking the end of Ramadan) and Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha, four days, marking the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ). Turkey also observes five Kandil nights and Aşure Günü, the Day of Ashura.
Why is Eid al-Fitr called the Sugar Feast in Turkey?: Ramazan Bayramı is popularly known as Şeker Bayramı — the Sugar Feast — because of the sweets exchanged and served throughout the three days, particularly baklava and lokum (Turkish delight).
Should I avoid travelling to Turkey during Bayram?: Not at all — but plan for it. The whole country travels home, so roads, transport and hotels are busy and prices rise. Book well ahead and you will experience the holiday at its best rather than getting caught out by it.
Will everything be closed?: Government offices and banks close over the Bayrams, and some businesses shorten their hours. Major attractions generally stay open and tourist-area restaurants and shops usually trade as normal — but check specific opening times, as they shift over the holiday.
Can you arrange a trip to Turkey around these dates?: Yes. Tell us your dates and we'll tell you which holidays fall within them, what to expect and what will be open — then arrange flights, hotels and guides to suit.