Private sector employees in Türkiye are entitled to 4.5 paid days off for Eid Al Adha 2027 (Kurban Bayramı). The exact 2027 dates are not yet officially gazetted, but the Diyanet astronomical calendar points to a holiday in mid-May.
Your entitlements are set by national holiday law and Labour Law No. 4857, not by your employer’s discretion. Here is what that means for your rights and your holiday plans.
Curious about how Kurban Bayramı is celebrated across the country — from traditions and prayers to local customs? Read our complete Eid Al Adha in Türkiye guide.
Expected Eid Al Adha 2027 Dates in Türkiye
Kurban Bayramı 2027 is expected to begin around Sunday 16 May 2027, based on the Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı (Presidency of Religious Affairs) astronomical calendar. These dates are an estimate and have not yet been officially gazetted.
Because Türkiye fixes Islamic holiday dates by calculation rather than physical moon sighting, the 2027 estimate is firmer than in moon-sighting countries. Even so, the official holiday and any administrative bridge day remain subject to the annual government announcement.
Predicted Holiday Window (Estimate)
| Date (Expected) | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| 15 May 2027 | Saturday | Arefe Günü (eve) — half-day from 13:00 |
| 16 May 2027 | Sunday | Kurban Bayramı Day 1 (expected) |
| 17 May 2027 | Monday | Kurban Bayramı Day 2 (expected) |
| 18 May 2027 | Tuesday | Kurban Bayramı Day 3 (expected) |
| 19 May 2027 | Wednesday | Kurban Bayramı Day 4 (expected) — also Atatürk Commemoration, Youth & Sports Day |
Türkiye’s Kurban Bayramı is officially 4.5 days: a half-day arefe followed by four full days. The alternate estimate places Day 1 on Monday 17 May 2027.
Note the overlap with the weekend in this estimate, with arefe falling on Saturday 15 May and Day 1 on Sunday 16 May. If the dates hold, much of the bayram lands on days many people already have off, reducing the bonus break compared with a midweek Eid.
Your Legal Entitlements Under Turkish Labour Law
Turkish national holiday law (Law No. 2429) and Labour Law No. 4857 set clear rules for what private sector employees are entitled to during Eid Al Adha. These rights are evergreen and apply regardless of your employment contract or industry.
Key Rights at a Glance
- Paid days off: you are entitled to the 4.5-day Kurban Bayramı (arefe half-day plus four full days) as paid public holiday.
- No annual-leave deduction: your employer cannot deduct these days from your annual leave — they are statutory public holidays.
- Full wage either way: you receive your full daily wage for each holiday day, whether you work or not (Article 47, Law 4857).
- Consent to work: your employer cannot require you to work on a public holiday without your consent (Article 44, Law 4857).
If You’re Asked to Work During Eid Al Adha
Whether you work on a public holiday depends on your collective bargaining agreement or employment contract. If neither addresses it, your employer needs your explicit consent under Article 44 of Labour Law No. 4857.
If you do work, you are entitled to an additional full day’s wage on top of your regular pay under Article 47 of Labour Law 4857 — effectively double pay for each day worked. This is an evergreen rule that does not change year to year.
A Note on Administrative Leave (Idari Izin)
In some years the government grants public sector workers extra administrative leave (idari izin) to bridge the holiday to the weekend. No idari izin decision for 2027 has been announced, and these bridge days are decided annually.
Administrative leave applies to the public sector only and is not legally binding for private employers. Some private companies voluntarily match an extended public sector schedule, so check with your HR department for your company’s policy.
Where to Escape This Eid Al Adha
If the estimated mid-May 2027 window holds, Eid Al Adha falls near the start of the Aegean and Mediterranean season. Here are top destinations to consider.
- Antalya: Türkiye’s riviera coast with warm spring weather, beach resorts, and family-friendly attractions. Search hotels in Antalya.
- Bodrum: boutique hotels, sailing, and a lively waterfront along the Aegean coast. Search hotels in Bodrum.
- Istanbul: Bosphorus ferries, historic mosques, and bustling bazaars for a cultural city break. Search hotels in Istanbul.
- Cappadocia: hot air balloon rides and cave hotels for a memorable Eid getaway. Search hotels in Cappadocia.
Book early — Eid Al Adha is among the busiest domestic travel periods in Türkiye. Compare fares on Turkish Airlines, or check Pegasus Airlines and SunExpress for budget domestic routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Eid Al Adha 2027 in Türkiye?
It is expected to begin around Sunday 16 May 2027. This estimate is based on the Diyanet astronomical calendar, with arefe on Saturday 15 May; the dates are not yet officially gazetted.
Are the 2027 dates confirmed by the government?
Not yet. Türkiye fixes Islamic holidays by astronomical calculation rather than moon sighting, so the estimate is fairly firm, but the official holiday and any administrative bridge day are announced annually and have not been gazetted for 2027.
How many paid days off do private sector employees get?
4.5 days. This is the arefe half-day plus four full days of Kurban Bayramı, all paid as statutory public holidays and not deducted from your annual leave.
Can my employer make me work during Kurban Bayramı?
Not without your consent. Under Article 44 of Labour Law 4857 your employer needs your explicit consent, and if you work you must receive an additional full day’s wage for each day worked under Article 47 — effectively double pay.
Does administrative leave (idari izin) apply to the private sector?
No. Administrative leave is a government directive for public sector employees only and has no legal basis for private employers. No idari izin for 2027 has been announced, and these bridge days are decided annually.
Sources
- Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı — 2027 Dini Günler Takvimi (Religious Days Calendar)
- CottGroup — Public Holidays and Working Hours Calculation in Türkiye (Law No. 4857)
- Muhasebe News — Workers’ Rights Under Labor Law No. 4857 (holiday premium pay)
- Office Holidays — Kurban Bayramı in Türkiye 2027
- Wikipedia — Public Holidays in Turkey (Law No. 2429 reference)
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
