Public holiday in Türkiye
Democracy and National Solidarity Day in Türkiye
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Democracy and National Solidarity Day is a nationwide public holiday in Türkiye that marks the defeat of the 2016 coup attempt. It is observed every year on 15 July.
About Democracy and National Solidarity Day in Türkiye
The day is a national commemoration as well as a public holiday across Türkiye. It marks a modern political turning point and is used to remember those who resisted the coup attempt and those who lost their lives that night. Because it is observed nationwide, it has meaning in public life across the country rather than in a single city or region. The day is especially associated with remembrance, civic unity and public recognition of the events of 15 July 2016.
History
The holiday was created after the 15 July 2016 coup attempt in Türkiye. It commemorates the night when the attempted takeover was defeated and later became an annual public holiday.
Traditions
The main custom is formal remembrance. People may take part in commemorative events, visit memorials or observe a moment of silence for those who died during the coup attempt. Public messages, flags and official tributes are also commonly used to mark the day.
How Democracy and National Solidarity Day is celebrated in Türkiye
State institutions and local authorities typically hold official ceremonies and memorial programs. Media coverage focuses on the events of 15 July 2016, and many people mark the day by watching commemorations or attending public remembrance events.
Interesting facts
The holiday is also known in Turkish as Demokrasi ve Millî Birlik Günü. It is one of Türkiye’s newer national public holidays, established in the aftermath of the 2016 coup attempt.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 Jul 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.