Eid al-Adha, known in Türkiye as Kurban Bayramı, is expected to fall around mid-May 2027, with the first day anticipated on or near Sunday, 16 May 2027 (10 Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH). The exact date will be confirmed closer to the time by the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet).
The festival is one of the busiest travel periods of the Turkish year, with families crossing the country between Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and the coastal resorts. If you are planning a trip, our guide to when Eid al-Adha falls worldwide is a helpful starting point.
Eid al-Adha date in Türkiye
Eid al-Adha 2027 in Türkiye is expected to begin around Sunday, 16 May 2027, though Türkiye sometimes observes the holiday a day later, around Monday, 17 May 2027. All of these dates remain unconfirmed predictions until Diyanet publishes its official religious-days calendar.
Unlike many countries that rely on a local moon sighting, Türkiye determines Kurban Bayramı by astronomical calculation through Diyanet, which usually publishes its calendar of religious days well in advance. The Day of Arafah (Arefe), the eve of the festival, is anticipated to fall around Saturday, 15 May or Sunday, 16 May 2027, depending on the final start date.
Because the date is tied to the Islamic lunar calendar, it shifts earlier each year and should be treated as an expectation until officially confirmed. Travellers should check Diyanet for the final date before locking in plans.
Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday in Türkiye?
Eid al-Adha is an official national holiday in Türkiye, observed across the public and private sectors. In a typical year the core holiday runs for around four days, often with a half-day on the preceding Arefe.
The government sometimes extends the public-sector break by bridging it with adjacent days off, but no such decision has been made for 2027. Any extended public-sector holiday would be announced closer to the time.
Eid al-Adha prayer time in Türkiye
Eid prayers in Türkiye are held shortly after sunrise on the morning of the first day of Kurban Bayramı. The exact prayer time for each city will be confirmed by Diyanet closer to the date.
Many worshippers gather at Türkiye’s historic mosques for the occasion, which can be a memorable experience for visitors. Popular places to witness the morning prayers in Istanbul include:
- Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque): one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
- Hagia Sophia: the grand former basilica now serving as a mosque.
- Süleymaniye Mosque: a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture overlooking the Golden Horn.
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque: a deeply revered site for many Turkish Muslims.
- Büyük Çamlıca Mosque: the largest mosque in Türkiye, with panoramic city views.
You can confirm the precise sunrise and prayer times for any city on the Diyanet website as the date approaches.
How Eid al-Adha is celebrated in Türkiye
Kurban Bayramı translates as the “Sacrifice Feast” and commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. It is one of the most significant religious observances in the Turkish calendar.
The central tradition is the sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep, goat or cow, with the meat traditionally divided into three parts. One share is kept for the family, one is given to relatives and neighbours, and one is distributed to those in need.
The day usually begins with the morning Eid prayer, after which families visit elders to pay their respects and share meals together. A popular festive dish is kavurma, made from the fresh sacrificial meat slowly cooked in its own fat.
Common greetings exchanged during the festival include “İyi Bayramlar” and “Kurban Bayramınız mübarek olsun”. The atmosphere is warm and family-centred, with children often receiving sweets and small gifts.
Visiting Türkiye during Eid al-Adha
Kurban Bayramı is one of the busiest domestic travel periods in Türkiye, as families head to hometowns and coastal resorts. Visitors should expect crowds, higher demand for transport and the need to book well ahead.
The festive mood makes it a rewarding time to visit, provided you plan around the rush. For general guidance, see our Türkiye travel safety guide.
Are shops and attractions open during Eid al-Adha?
Major shopping areas such as the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar typically close for the core days of the holiday. Banks, post offices and government offices are also shut, and ATMs can run low on cash, so it is wise to withdraw money in advance.
Most museums and landmarks, including Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern, generally remain open, though some may open later on the first morning due to Eid prayers. Restaurants, cafes and shops in tourist hubs like Sultanahmet and Taksim usually operate close to normal.
Getting around during Eid al-Adha
Istanbul’s public transport, including the metro, tram, bus and ferry, typically runs on a holiday schedule and is often free to use during Kurban Bayramı. This is confirmed by the authorities closer to the time, so check before you travel.
Intercity highways, airports and bus stations tend to be heavily congested on the eve of the holiday and again on the final day as travellers return. If you are flying, consider Turkish Airlines or budget carriers and book early to secure seats.
- Air travel: see our Turkish Airlines guide and Istanbul Airport guide before you fly.
- Booking ahead: reserve flights to Istanbul well in advance, as fares rise close to the holiday.
Weather and where to go
Mid-May in Türkiye is generally warm and pleasant, making it a comfortable time to explore. Istanbul averages around 20–23°C, Antalya around 25–28°C and Cappadocia around 20–23°C.
Here are some of the best places to spend the holiday:
- Istanbul: noticeably quieter as residents travel away, ideal for sightseeing. Browse hotels in Istanbul.
- Antalya: warm Mediterranean beaches and resorts. Browse hotels in Antalya.
- Cappadocia: famed for its sunrise hot-air balloon flights. Browse hotels in Cappadocia.
- Bodrum: a stylish Aegean coastal getaway. Browse hotels in Bodrum.
Whichever destination you choose, book flights and hotels early, as availability tightens quickly during the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eid al-Adha called in Türkiye?
It is known as Kurban Bayramı. The name translates as the “Sacrifice Feast” and refers to the central tradition of the animal sacrifice.
When is Eid al-Adha 2027 in Türkiye?
It is expected around Sunday, 16 May 2027. Türkiye may observe it around Monday, 17 May 2027, and the final date will be confirmed by Diyanet closer to the time.
How many days is the Eid al-Adha holiday in Türkiye?
The official 2027 public-holiday duration will be set closer to the time. The core holiday typically runs for around four days, and any extended public-sector break would be announced by the government nearer the date.
Are attractions open in Istanbul during Eid al-Adha?
Most major attractions remain open. Landmarks such as Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern generally operate, though some may open later on the first morning, while the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar typically close for the core days.
Is public transport free during Eid al-Adha in Istanbul?
It is often free during Kurban Bayramı. Istanbul’s metro, tram, bus and ferry services typically run on a holiday schedule, but you should confirm with the authorities closer to the date.
Sources
- Diyanet (Presidency of Religious Affairs) — prayer times and religious-days calendar
- Go Türkiye — official tourism portal
- Anadolu Agency — national holiday announcements
- Hürriyet Daily News
- Wego — when is Eid al-Adha guide
Disclaimer: All 2027 dates in this article are predictions based on astronomical calculation and are subject to official confirmation by Diyanet (the Presidency of Religious Affairs). Holiday durations, prayer times and opening hours may change; please verify with official sources before finalising your travel plans. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
