Türkiye Announces Holiday Schedule for the 103rd Anniversary of the Republic

Turkish authorities have announced the official schedule for public holidays across the country to mark the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923.

The schedule is based on Law No. 2429, which regulates national holidays and public holidays in the country.

According to the government announcement, the Republic Day holiday will last for 35 consecutive hours, as follows:

• Wednesday, October 28: Schools, government offices, and municipal institutions will operate as usual in the morning. The official holiday will begin at 1 p.m., when offices close for a half-day holiday.

• Thursday, October 29: Schools, banks, and public service institutions will be closed for the entire day.

• Emergency services: Emergency departments and urgent care units at public and private hospitals will remain open around the clock.

To make it easier for citizens and residents to attend celebrations and national events, a presidential decision has been issued to provide free travel on several major state-run transport lines throughout Thursday, October 29.

The free services will include the Marmaray railway network in Istanbul, the Başkentray commuter rail line in Ankara, and the İZBAN rail line in İzmir.

As for other forms of local transport, including public buses, Metrobus services, and urban metro lines, fares will be determined separately by the municipalities of major cities, depending on their local regulations.

Regarding the private sector, authorities have reminded employers of their legal obligations to either give employees time off or pay them an extra day's wages if they are required to work during the public holiday.