Understanding Northern Cyprus Public Holidays 2026 is essential for anyone living, studying, working, or planning to relocate to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Public holidays influence government office hours, banking schedules, university operations, and even business availability across the island. This guide provides a clear and fully verified overview of Public holidays in Northern Cyprus, based entirely on official 2026 sources, helping residents and newcomers plan their year with confidence.
Overview of Public Holidays in Northern Cyprus
Public holidays in Northern Cyprus include a combination of national holidays, holidays shared with Turkey, and Islamic religious holidays. Fixed national dates follow the standard annual calendar, while religious holidays—such as Ramazan Bayramı, Kurban Bayramı, and Mawlid al-Nabi—are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and therefore shift each year. The official dates for 2026 are taken directly from the verified North Cyprus holiday list and supported by general holiday references.
Northern Cyprus also shares several national holidays with Turkey, including 23 April, 1 May, 19 May, 30 August, and 29 October . In addition, the country observes its own significant national days, such as 20 July (Peace and Freedom Day), 1 August (Social Resistance Day), and 15 November (Republic Day of TRNC), which are officially recognized across the region.
Complete List of Northern Cyprus Public Holidays 2026
The following table provides the full and verified list of Northern Cyprus Public Holidays 2026, including national, shared, and religious holidays. The holiday dates listed below come from the verified 2026 public holiday calendar for North Cyprus.
| Date | Weekday | Holiday Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | National |
| 20 March 2026 | Friday | Ramazan Bayramı – Day 1 | Religious |
| 21 March 2026 | Saturday | Ramazan Bayramı – Day 2 | Religious |
| 22 March 2026 | Sunday | Ramazan Bayramı – Day 3 | Religious |
| 23 April 2026 | Thursday | National Sovereignty and Children’s Day | Shared with Turkey |
| 1 May 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | National |
| 19 May 2026 | Tuesday | Youth & Sports Day | Shared with Turkey |
| 27 May 2026 | Wednesday | Kurban Bayramı – Day 1 | Religious |
| 28 May 2026 | Thursday | Kurban Bayramı – Day 2 | Religious |
| 29 May 2026 | Friday | Kurban Bayramı – Day 3 | Religious |
| 30 May 2026 | Saturday | Kurban Bayramı – Day 4 | Religious |
| 20 July 2026 | Monday | Peace and Freedom Day | National (TRNC) |
| 1 August 2026 | Saturday | Social Resistance Day | National (TRNC) |
| 25 August 2026 | Tuesday | Mawlid al-Nabi (tentative) | Religious |
| 30 August 2026 | Sunday | Victory Day | Shared with Turkey |
| 29 October 2026 | Thursday | Turkish Republic Day | Shared with Turkey |
| 15 November 2026 | Sunday | Republic Day of TRNC | National (TRNC) |
All religious dates above follow the Islamic lunar calendar, and the listed Mawlid date is marked as tentative based on the published 2026 projection .
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Religious (Islamic) Holidays in 2026
Religious holidays in Northern Cyprus follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which means their dates shift each year. In 2026, the confirmed and projected dates for Islamic holidays are taken directly from the official North Cyprus holiday list .
Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr)
20–22 March 2026
Ramazan Bayramı is a three-day public holiday marking the end of the Ramadan fasting period. All three days are officially recognised as public holidays across Northern Cyprus
Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha)
27–30 May 2026
Kurban Bayramı is a four-day religious holiday observed throughout the country. All four dates in 2026 are included in the public holiday calendar.
Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday)
25 August 2026 (tentative)
The date for Mawlid al-Nabi in 2026 is listed as tentative, as the exact day may vary depending on official lunar calendar confirmation.
All religious holidays above are recognised public holidays in Northern Cyprus according to the verified 2026 calendar
Local Holidays Unique to Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
Alongside shared national holidays, Northern Cyprus observes several unique commemorative dates that reflect its own historical milestones. These holidays are officially recognized within TRNC and appear in the public holiday listings referenced for the region.
20 July – Peace and Freedom Day
This holiday marks the beginning of the 1974 Turkish Peace Operation. It is one of the most significant national days in Northern Cyprus, observed with official ceremonies and commemorations.
1 August – Social Resistance Day
Social Resistance Day commemorates the founding of the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT) in 1958. It is officially listed as a public holiday in Northern Cyprus.
15 November – Republic Day of TRNC
This date marks the proclamation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983. It is a key national holiday, observed annually with government and military ceremonies.
Practical Information for Residents, Workers, and Students
Public holidays in Northern Cyprus affect the operating hours of government offices, banks, and some service providers. Most private businesses, however, remain open during public holidays, with Labour Day (1 May) being the main exception when many businesses choose to close.
During religious holidays such as Ramazan Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı, government institutions and banks are closed, while restaurants, shops, and many private-sector businesses generally continue operating.
Residents, students, and newcomers should check the schedules of universities and public offices in advance during major holiday periods, as these services follow the official public holiday calendar.
Difference Between Public Holidays in North Cyprus vs South Cyprus
Northern Cyprus and South Cyprus follow different public holiday calendars. South Cyprus observes Greek Orthodox and Republic of Cyprus public holidays such as Epiphany, Greek Independence Day, EOKA Day, Assumption Day, and Christmas-related public holidays . These are not public holidays in Northern Cyprus.
Northern Cyprus, on the other hand, observes its own public holidays, including 20 July (Peace and Freedom Day), 1 August (Social Resistance Day), and 15 November (Republic Day of TRNC), which do not appear in the South Cyprus public holiday list.
As a result, the two regions have distinct public holiday systems shaped by different historical and cultural backgrounds.
Conclusion
Northern Cyprus Public Holidays 2026 include a combination of national commemorations, public holidays shared with Turkey, and key Islamic religious dates. With fixed national days and movable religious dates, the 2026 calendar provides a clear structure for residents, students, and newcomers who need to plan work, study, travel, and administrative tasks throughout the year. By relying on the officially published dates, this guide offers an accurate overview of public holidays in Northern Cyprus, ensuring you can navigate the year with confidence.
