Kurban Bayramı (Eid el-Adha), the "Feast of Sacrifice" on 10 Zilhicce (Dhul-hijja) of the Islamic Hijri calendar, is a special holiday for Turkish people. Keep in mind this holiday will affect your travel plans if your trip to Turkey includes the four-day holiday period—which can stretch to a week or more, depending upon the dates.
What is Kurban Bayramı (Feast of Sacrifice)?
Kurban Bayramı, or in English, the "Feast of Sacrifice," is a special and unique holiday in Turkey.
Celebrated by Muslims globally across the world, this holiday honors Ibrahim for his faithfulness and willingness to God by offering his son Ishmael as a sacrifice. This story is also mirrored in the Old Testament with the story of Abraham, who offers his son up to God until an angel stops him.
How is Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha) Celebrated in Turkey?
In Turkey, the Kurban Bayramı Holiday is typically centered around family and friends. This is an important time each year to connect with loved ones and enjoy time together while honoring the meaning of the feast as well.
Of course, Kurban Bayramı is also quite special as far as feasting goes! Turks know how to bring their best culinary expertise and this holiday is no exception.
Future Dates
2024, June
In 2024, Kurban Bayramı begins with arife (preparation) on June 15 (Saturday), the first day is June 16th (Sunday) and it continues for four days until the evening of June 19 (Wednesday), with travel effects from June 15th through June 19th.
2025, June
In 2025, Kurban Bayramı begins with arife (preparation) on June 5 (Thursday), the first day is June 6th (Friday) and it continues for four days until the evening of June 9(Monday), with travel effects from June 5th through June 9th.
2026, May
In 2026, Kurban Bayramı begins with arife (preparation) on May 26 (Tuesday), the first day is May 27th (Wednesday) and it continues for four days until the evening of May 30(Saturday), with travel effects from May 26th through May 30th.
2027, May
In 2027, Kurban Bayramı begins with arife (preparation) on May 15 (Saturday), the first day is May 16th (Sunday) and it continues for four days until the evening of May 19(Wednesday), with travel effects from May 15th through May 19th.
Previous Years
2021, July
In 2021, Kurban Bayramı began with arife (preparation) on July 19 (Monday), the first day was July 20 (Tuesday) and it continued for four days until the evening of July 23 (Friday), with travel effects from July 17 (Saturday) through July 25 (Sunday).
2022, July
In 2022, Kurban Bayramı began with arife (preparation) onJuly 7 (Thursday), the first day was July 8 (Friday) and it continuee for four days until the evening of July 11 (Monday), with travel effects from July 7 through July 11.
2023, June
In 2023, Kurban Bayramı began with arife (preparation) on June 27 ( Tuesday ), the first day was June 28 (Wednesday) and it continued for four days until the evening of July 1 (Saturday), with travel effects from June 27th through July 1.
Experience Kurban Bayramı in Turkey
Kurban Bayramı (Eid el-Adha), known as the the "Feast of Sacrifice," is a festival similar to Thanksgiving. Families gather to share a meal and give back to people in need.
Transportation can be tricky in this period, so try to plan in advance. However, if you end up in Turkey during the Feast of Sacrifice, you will see many families gathered together and sharing meals.
—by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Can Turan
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