Istanbul April 23, 2026

April 23 (23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) is one of Turkey's most cherished public holidays. It marks the founding of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on April 23, 1920, by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk — a cornerstone event in the founding of the Turkish state. Atatürk later dedicated this day to the children of the world, making Turkey the only country to have a national holiday in honor of children. It is a full public holiday across Turkey.

Istanbul's April 23 celebrations include: (1) Children's performances and folk dance festivals at Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) and Harbiye Open Air Theatre; (2) Official ceremonies at Taksim Square and Atatürk monuments citywide; (3) A national moment of silence at 09:05; (4) Young students leading flag ceremonies at schools; (5) International Children's Festival hosted by TRT (Turkish Radio and Television) with delegations from dozens of countries; (6) Concerts, exhibitions, and theatrical performances for families throughout the day.

Yes — April 23 is a full public holiday in Turkey. Banks, government offices, post offices, and schools are closed. Most tourist attractions (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, museums) remain open with normal or reduced hours. Public transport operates on holiday schedules. Taksim Square and city parks are lively with families and children in folk costumes.

Most tourist attractions remain open on April 23. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and Bosphorus ferries all operate. Some museums managed by the Ministry of Culture may have special holiday hours; verify directly or book through tour operators. The Grand Bazaar opens after morning ceremonies. Istanbul's streets and parks are particularly vibrant as families take their children to celebrations.

Traffic is noticeably increased around central Istanbul on April 23 — particularly near Taksim Square, Şişli, Sultanahmet, and areas hosting public events. Road closures for parades and ceremonies are common in the morning. Pre-booking a VIP airport transfer (from €85) guarantees a professional driver who monitors road conditions and uses GPS-optimized routes. Taxis may refuse short trips due to holiday demand. Plan early departures and allow extra time.

The TRT International Children's Festival (Uluslararası 23 Nisan Çocuk Şenliği) is a major cultural event held around April 23 every year. Children from more than 30 countries come to Istanbul to perform their national folk dances and songs. It's broadcast live on TRT and draws massive crowds to Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM). For foreign visitors, watching children from around the world perform in traditional costumes in Istanbul is a uniquely moving experience.