A Nationwide Holiday Begins

Turkey has officially entered a nine-day public holiday to celebrate Kurban Bayram, the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice. The celebration begins with the Day of Arafat, a solemn period when Muslims visit cemeteries to honor deceased relatives. Women traditionally prepare bread, distributing it to neighbors and friends regardless of their religious background, fostering community spirit before the main festivities commence.

The government extended the break for public sector employees by adding extra rest days. From today until May 29, state institutions, banks, and the historic Grand Bazaar in Istanbul remain closed. Major retail chains, including BIM and A101, are also shutting down operations across the country.

Free Transport Across the Nation

To facilitate travel for families visiting relatives, the government has announced free transportation measures. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed a decree making highway driving and urban public transport free between May 27 and 30. This includes crossings on the 15 July Martyrs Bridge over the Bosphorus and the Marmaray railway line connecting Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.

Livestock Markets and Veterinary Checks

The core of the holiday involves the ritual slaughter of livestock, symbolizing gratitude, charity, and forgiveness. In Istanbul, 12 designated livestock markets have opened under strict municipal supervision. Suat Parıldar, director of the provincial agriculture department, emphasized the importance of sanitary controls for animals transported from distant Anatolian regions.

Veterinary teams are inspecting trucks at checkpoints on the Northern Marmara motorway, verifying health documents and transport permits. In the Avçılar district, large tents house thousands of sheep, goats, cows, and camels. Negotiations between buyers and sellers are intense, with approximately 2,000 large and 3,000 small animals available. The meat from these sacrifices is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor, ensuring the blessing is shared widely.

Search accommodation in Istanbul on Booking.com →