Of course, to help you plan for your stay in Istanbul, you should know the different holidays this city celebrates. This way, you can plan your way around them, either to schedule your trip during the holidays (if you want a glimpse of how the city celebrates its feasts and festivals) or else, schedule your trip to avoid the holidays (if you are the type who want to spend quiet times while you are traveling).
However, we recommend that you do try to schedule your holiday to Istanbul during one of its festivals and special events. Watching Istanbul celebrate is an experience you shouldn’t miss. After all, Istanbul is not the city that stands on both Asia and Europe for nothing. The range of its activities and events is diverse. Aside from religious events, Istanbul is also the host of numerous cultural events – theater, film, and music. It is a mecca of sorts for up and coming artists, not just from the country, but from the region as well. In 2010, the city will also have the distinction of being the European Capital of Culture.
Here are the different holidays and special events in Istanbul and Turkey:
- International Istanbul Music Festival
This is one of Istanbul’s pride and joys. It is an important musical event, not just in the country, but in the entire continent of Europe. During the month of June, musical artists from all over the world – orchestras, choirs, dancers, music groups and artists – come here to perform. It’s a musical smorgasbord where you can enjoy the best of traditional, ballet, classical and opera music. There are a number of concerts at different sites all throughout the city. A special attraction are the Whirling Dervishes.
- Istanbul Contemporary Art Festival
Up-and-coming artists take this opportunity to display their masterpieces. If you want to see how the art scene of Istanbul is, the first week of December is the time to go, as this is when the city celebrates the festival.
Other Special Events include:
The Bosphorus (July – Thousands flock to the shore in an attempt to swim the entire length of the Bosphorus Strait – starting from Kanlica to Cemil Topuzlu Park. There are also boat races and water-ski exhibitions.
January
Gay Film Festival
April
International Film Festival
International Days of the Short Metrage – Istanbul
May
International Theater Festival
Festival of Gypsy Music of Istanbul
June
International Mystical Music Festival
Roumelie Fortress Festival of Theater
Wrestling Festival of Kirkpinar
July
International Jazz Festival of Istanbul
September
International Biennal of the Visual Arts
International Festival of Dance and Techno
October
Festival of Alternative Music
Efes Pilsen International Festival of Blues
Akbank Jazz Festival
International Istanbul Marathon
For more information, you can also have a look at http://www.turizm.gov.tr.
Special Days/Holidays
January 1 New Year’s Day
April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
May 19 Attaturk Commemoration
May 27 Freedom and Constitution Day
August 30 Victory Day
October 29 National Day
Islamic Holidays vary every year, as these are based on the Islamic calendar
Seker Bayrami (Sugar Feast) – As a celebration of the end of the Ramadan fast, the people feast on sweets during this 30day festival.
Kurban Bayrami (Slaughter Feast) – A mark of generosity, this feast is about sharing meat with family, neighbors and the poor. This lasts for four days.
Working Hours in Istanbul:
Banks 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays
Government Offices 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays
Malls 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
Shops 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Mondays to Saturdays)
Grand Bazaar 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Mondays to Saturdays)
