How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Turkey?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Europe/Asia
1The Quick Answer
Turkey is largely open 7 days a week. Markets and shops open on Sundays. Friday afternoon prayers affect some businesses. Eid holidays cause widespread closures.
2What You Need to Know
Turkey operates commercially 7 days a week in most cities and tourist areas. Shops, restaurants, and the Grand Bazaar are open on Sundays. Supermarkets operate daily. Friday is the Muslim holy day — many businesses, especially in more conservative areas, may close for the Friday prayer window (around 12:30–2pm). Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha are major national holidays spanning 4–7 days each — many businesses close, and transport fills up with domestic travelers. October 29 (Republic Day) is another major national holiday with closures.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays — one of the few major exceptions to Turkey's 7-day culture
- 2During Eid holidays, Turkey essentially shuts down for 3–5 days — tourism sites remain open but restaurants and shops close
- 3Friday prayer time: small family businesses may close 12:30–2pm, especially in conservative areas
- 4Ramadan month: restaurant hours shift dramatically — few open during daylight, massive activity after sunset (iftar)
- 5Republic Day (Oct 29) and Victory Day (Aug 30) are public holidays with parades and some closures
Important Warning
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is closed every Sunday — it is one of the most notable tourist attraction closures in Turkey. Plan your visit for Monday–Saturday.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
Most shops, restaurants, and convenience stores are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Banks close on weekends.
The UAE weekend is Saturday–Sunday. Businesses close on Friday for prayers. Malls are open 7 days a week. Ramadan significantly changes all hours.
Most shops, malls, and restaurants are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Buddhist holidays cause alcohol bans and some closures.
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