Eid al-Adha in Turkey 2026: A Complete Tourist Guide

Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı) in Turkey: The Complete Religious Bayram Guide 2026 Quick Answer: Eid al-Adha in Turkey , known locally as Kurban Bayramı , is one of the most important Islamic holidays, celebrating sacrifice and community. In 2026 , Eid al-Adha is expected to take place from approximately Tuesday, May 26th to Friday, May 29th , leading to a significant public holiday period across the country. What Exactly is Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha)? Kurban Bayramı , which translates to the 'Feast of Sacrifice', is the Turkish name for the Islamic holiday known worldwide as Eid al-Adha . It is one of the two major religious holidays in Islam, the other being Ramazan Bayramı which marks the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. Kurban Bayramı commemorates the story of the Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Just as Ibrahim was about to proceed, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. This story is prominent in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The core of the holiday is the act of 'kurban', or sacrifice. Families who can afford it are expected to sacrifice an animal, typically a sheep, goat, or cow. This act is not about the ritual itself but about the spirit of giving, charity, and sharing. A significant portion of the meat—traditionally two-thirds—is distributed to relatives, neighbors, and especially to the poor and needy. This ensures that everyone can partake in a festive meal, reinforcing community bonds and social responsibility. When is Eid al-Adha in Turkey in 2026 and Beyond? The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, so the dates of religious holidays shift back approximately 10-11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar. For 2026 , Kurban Bayramı is expected to begin on or around Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 , and last for four days, ending on Friday, May 29th, 2026 . It's important to note that the holiday officially begins the evening before the first day, known as 'Arefe'. The Turkish governme