Apart from the national holidays listed below, there are two religious holidays whose dates move forward by 12 days each year on the Gregorian calendar: the "Şeker Bayramı" (Candy Festival), a three - day holiday when special sweets are eaten to celebrate the end of Ramazan fast; and the four day Kurban Bayramı, following the Haj, or Muslim pilgrimage. January 1 - New Year's Day April 23 - National Sovereignty and Children's Day May 19 - Atatürk's Commemoration Youth and Sports Day August 30 - Victory Day October 29 - Republic Day. |