Türkiye will extend the Eid al-Adha holiday to nine days for public employees, starting from May 25 and running through May 31, 2026. This change aims to promote family gatherings and boost domestic travel during the festive period.
Before this announcement, the expectation was for a shorter holiday. The new decision allows families more time to reunite and celebrate together. The holiday falls between May 27 and May 30 in 2026.
Key facts about the extended holiday:
- Türkiye will provide a total of nine days of holiday.
- The holiday starts on May 25, ending on May 31.
- Eid al-Adha in 2026 is observed from May 27 to May 30.
This extension aligns with previous practices aimed at encouraging domestic travel during major religious celebrations. Many families look forward to this time together.
Halima, who lives with her four children in a camp for displaced people in Gedaref, Sudan, expressed her feelings about Eid. “Eid al-Adha means everything to me,” she said. The significance of the holiday is profound, especially for those in challenging situations.
In 2025, more than 92,500 people in Sudan received a qurbani meat pack from Islamic Relief. This distribution reached over 3.2 million people across 29 countries. Such initiatives highlight the importance of support during Eid celebrations.
Additionally, Red Sea Global plans to add 32 extra flights for Eid Al-Adha between May 21–31. This includes 46 flights from Riyadh and 18 from Jeddah, facilitating increased holiday travel.
Halima noted the struggles faced by her family: “We haven’t eaten meat for months; we didn’t expect to get meat this Eid either.” Her situation underscores the challenges many face during festive times.
The Turkish government believes that extending the holiday will enhance overall community spirit and provide much-needed joy during Eid al-Adha.
