Türkiye has announced a nine-day extension for the Eid al-Adha holiday, set to take place from May 25 to May 31, 2026. This change aims to encourage family gatherings and promote domestic travel during this significant celebration.
Before this announcement, many families anticipated a shorter holiday. The previous expectation was for a standard public holiday, typically lasting just a few days. However, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the importance of family time during these festive periods.
Key changes:
- The Eid al-Adha holiday will now span nine days for public employees.
- The holiday period starts on May 25 and runs through May 31.
- This extension is expected to boost domestic tourism significantly.
For families like Halima’s—who lives with her four children in a camp for displaced people in Gedaref, Sudan—the meaning of Eid al-Adha holds profound significance. “Eid al-Adha means everything to me,” she shared. Yet, with limited resources, they often struggle during these times.
This year, more than 92,500 individuals in Sudan received qurbani meat packs from Islamic Relief, highlighting the organization’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities during Eid celebrations. In total, Islamic Relief’s distribution reached over 3.2 million people across 29 countries in 2025.
As part of the holiday preparations, Red Sea Global plans to add 32 extra flights between May 21 and May 31 to accommodate increased travel demand. This includes 46 flights from Riyadh and 18 from Jeddah, making it easier for families to connect during this festive period.
The extended holiday not only allows families more time together but also supports local economies by encouraging travel within Türkiye. Many expect bustling streets and crowded airports as people take advantage of the longer break.
Halima expressed her hopes for a better Eid experience this year: “We haven’t eaten meat for months; we didn’t expect to get meat this Eid either.” With support from organizations like Islamic Relief, there’s optimism that many will celebrate with joy and abundance.
Evelyn Mensah
Ama Serwah