National days
Holidays, state days and days of remembrance — the calendar of the Turkic world, month by month.
March
March 1
Holiday
Kazakhstan — Day of Gratitude
Celebrated since 2016, Alghys Aitu Kuni is a day of gratitude among the peoples of Kazakhstan, above all to the Kazakh people who sheltered those deported to the steppe in hard times.
Read more →March 21
Holiday
Nowruz
The festival of spring and nature's awakening. Celebrated across the Turkic world with bonfires, sprouted wheat and festive tables; on UNESCO's intangible heritage list since 2009.
April
April 231920
Holiday
Türkiye — National Sovereignty and Children's Day
On 23 April 1920 the Grand National Assembly opened in Ankara. Atatürk dedicated the day to children, and children from around the world visit Türkiye for the festival.
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May
May 1
Holiday
Kazakhstan — Unity Day of the People
1 May is celebrated in Kazakhstan as a festival of friendship and unity among its more than one hundred ethnic groups.
Read more →May 191919
Holiday
Türkiye — Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
On 19 May 1919 Mustafa Kemal Pasha landed at Samsun and the War of Independence began. The day is dedicated to young people.
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June
June 151993
Holiday
Azerbaijan — National Salvation Day
In June 1993 the country faced the threat of civil conflict. On 15 June Heydar Aliyev was elected Chairman of the Supreme Council; the day is an official holiday.
June 261918
Holiday
Azerbaijan — Armed Forces Day
On 26 June 1918 the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic created its first national military unit, the Separate Azerbaijani Corps.
July
July 6
Holiday
Kazakhstan — Capital Day
A holiday marking the move of the capital from Almaty to Astana, which was officially presented as the capital in 1998.
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August
August 12001
Holiday
Day of the Azerbaijani Alphabet and Language
From 1 August 2001 all official writing in Azerbaijan switched to the Latin-based alphabet. The day celebrates the language and its script.
Read more →August 301922
Holiday
Türkiye — Victory Day
On 30 August 1922 the decisive battle of the Great Offensive was won at Dumlupınar, settling the outcome of the War of Independence.
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September
September 181885
Holiday
Azerbaijan — National Music Day
Birthday of Uzeyir Hajibeyli, composer of the first opera in the Muslim East. National Music Day has been marked in his honour since 1995.
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November
November 82020
Holiday
Azerbaijan — Victory Day
On 8 November 2020 the city of Shusha was liberated — the decisive victory of the 44-day Patriotic War.
Read more →November 91918
Holiday
Azerbaijan — National Flag Day
On 9 November 1918 the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic adopted the blue, red and green flag with a crescent and eight-pointed star.
November 121995
Holiday
Azerbaijan — Constitution Day
On 12 November 1995 the first Constitution of independent Azerbaijan was adopted by referendum.
November 171988
Holiday
Azerbaijan — National Revival Day
On 17 November 1988 a mass national movement began in Baku's central square, today's Freedom Square.
December
December 311989
Holiday
World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day
On 31 December 1989 people in Nakhchivan tore down the border installations along the Araz, showing their wish to reunite with kin on the other side. It has been a holiday since 1991.
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