Kurban Bayram in Northern Cyprus 2026

In 2026, Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha) in Northern Cyprus begins on the evening of May 26, 2026 (after sunset), and the first official day of the holiday falls on May 27, 2026. The public holiday usually lasts for 4 days (May 27–30, 2026). On these dates, government offices and banks are generally closed, and some services operate on a reduced schedule.

• General Information
• Sacrifices
• Police and Services Operation
• Markets and Fairs Operation
• Emergency Phone Numbers
• Glossary
• Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha) is one of the major Islamic holidays. It lasts for several days and involves festive prayers in mosques and family visits. In 2026, the first day of the holiday is May 27, 2026, followed by May 28, 29, and 30, 2026. The evening before (May 26) is considered the beginning of the holiday period.

Sacrifices

Prices for Sacrifices

Prices for animals change annually before the holiday. For reference: in 2025, the price ranges were 13,000–17,000 TL for a lamb and 100,000–130,000 TL for a calf.

Waste

Cities and municipalities specifically remind everyone that sacrifices are not to be performed in public places or common areas, and waste should not be poured into water or sewers, nor left in open spaces.

Before the holiday each year, contacts and rules may be updated by the municipalities.

Police and Services Operation

During Kurban Bayram, emergency response services continue to operate 24/7. Both general short numbers and municipal support lines are used for inquiries.

Nicosia

Municipal services (including cleaning and on-call teams) usually operate on a duty schedule. Please check the operating hours of specific services through official municipal announcements.

Iskele

Municipal services and on-call teams generally continue to work during the holidays. Certain facilities (e.g., slaughterhouses) may operate during limited hours on the first days of the holiday.

Lefke

According to municipal holiday announcements, essential utility services maintain an on-call status for emergencies.

Famagusta

Municipal services usually maintain a duty schedule for emergencies. Contacts and operating hours are published separately before the holiday.

Girne

During the holidays, some services may be available through terminals and online via the website: www.girnebelediyesi.com.

Güzelyurt

Utility services usually continue domestic waste collection and form on-call teams in case of network failures.

Markets and Fairs Operation

The operating hours of markets in Northern Cyprus during holidays depend on the city and the specific venue. Before the holiday, municipalities usually publish separate announcements regarding which markets are closed and which are operating on a modified schedule.

Emergency Phone Numbers

General Numbers

• Forest Fire: 177
• Ambulance, Police: 155
• Emergency Service: 112
• Fire: 199

Famagusta

• Emergency Rescue Services: 185 or +90 548 816 60 02
• Water Network Issues: +90 548 816 60 32
• Ritual and Funeral Services: +90 548 816 60 51

Girne

• Public Works and Zoning Department: +90 542 852 21 18, +90 548 881 21 14
• Cleaning Services: +90 533 825 17 03, +90 533 841 38 39
• Water Facilities: +90 542 882 11 18, +90 542 882 21 18, +90 548 868 21 23
• Sewerage: +90 533 870 20 17, +90 533 846 20 17
• Funeral and Burial: +90 533 850 64 13, +90 533 840 52 20
• City Security: +90 533 826 25 47, +90 533 875 66 55
• Healthcare: +90 533 850 54 65, +90 533 870 20 14

Lefke

• Administrative and Cleaning Works: +90 533 826 83 47
• Foreman: +90 533 826 21 26
• Water Failures: +90 533 835 08 45

Iskele

• General Issues: +90 548 810 11 77
• Burial: +90 548 810 11 05
• Water Department: +90 548 810 11 09, +90 548 810 12 29
• Police: +90 548 810 11 16, +90 548 371 23 33
• Iskele Health Center: +90 548 371 23 19

Gönyeli-Alayköy

• Administrative Matters: +90 533 862 41 00, +90 533 880 60 10
• Sewerage: +90 539 101 84 25
• Water Supply: +90 542 851 13 01
• Municipal Police: +90 533 852 38 94, +90 533 861 59 64
• Health Department: +90 533 834 65 15
• Elderly Care Services: +90 533 825 31 99
• Pest Complaints: +90 539 121 10 76

Glossary

• Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha) — Islamic festival of sacrifice, celebrated over several days; dates depend on the lunar calendar.
• Eid al-Adha — the Arabic name for Kurban Bayram.
• Arefe — the day preceding the first day of Kurban Bayram; in practice, considered the start of the holiday period in the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates for Kurban Bayram in Northern Cyprus in 2026?

The first day of the holiday is May 27, 2026, followed by May 28, 29, and 30, 2026. The holiday period begins on the evening of May 26, 2026, after sunset.

How many days does Kurban Bayram last?

Officially, the holiday lasts for 4 days. In some cases, the holiday may be extended by the weekend, so the total rest period for some organizations can be longer.

Are banks and government offices open during Kurban Bayram?

On public holiday days, banks and government offices in Northern Cyprus are generally closed.

Are shops, restaurants, and services open?

Some private businesses continue to operate, especially in tourist areas, but schedules may be reduced. It is best to check the schedule of a specific place before the holiday.

Does market operation change?

Yes, some city markets may be closed on a specific holiday day or operate on a modified schedule. This is usually published by municipalities before the holiday.

What numbers should be used in an emergency?

For emergencies, use short numbers: 112, 155, 199, as well as the municipal lines listed in the "Emergency Phone Numbers" section.