In Turkey, the duration of paid annual leave an employee is entitled to depends on their length of service with the same employer. Employees who have been with the same employer for 1-5 years, including the first year, are entitled to 14 days of leave. If an employee has been with the same employer for more than 5 but less than 15 years, they are entitled to 20 days of leave. Employees who have been with the same employer for 15 years or more are entitled to 26 days of leave.

Continuous Service

The entitlement to leave is dependent on uninterrupted employment with the same employer.

Unused Leave

Employees generally have the option to carry forward any unused leave days to the next year, provided they have the agreement of their employer. Alternatively, they may be compensated financially for these unused leave days.

Scheduling

The scheduling of vacation time is often a joint decision made by employers and employees. However, employers do hold the right to specify when leave can be taken.

Turkey recognizes several public holidays throughout the year, which can be categorized into national and religious holidays.

National Holidays

Turkey celebrates the following national holidays:

• New Year's Day: Celebrated on January 1st, it marks the beginning of the new year.
• National Sovereignty and Children's Day: This holiday is observed on April 23rd.
• Labor and Solidarity Day: Celebrated on May 1st, it honors the labor force.
• Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day: This holiday, celebrated on May 19th, honors the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
• Democracy and National Unity Day: Observed on July 15th, it commemorates the failed coup attempt in 2016.
• Victory Day: Celebrated on August 30th, it marks the end of the Turkish War of Independence in 1922.
• Republic Day: This holiday, observed on October 29th, celebrates the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923.

Religious Holidays

Turkey also observes Islamic religious holidays, which are based on the lunar Hijri calendar:

• Ramadan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr): This holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is a 3-day celebration, and the dates vary each year.
• Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha): Also known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," this is a significant Islamic holiday. It is a 4-day celebration, and the dates vary each year.

In Turkey, employees are entitled to various types of leave, each with its own specific entitlements and legal references.

Annual Leave (Vacation Leave)

Employees with 1-5 years of service are entitled to 14 days of paid annual leave. Those with more than 5 but less than 15 years of service get 20 days, and those with 15+ years of service get 26 days. This is according to the Turkish Labour Law (Law No: 4857), Articles 53-59.

Sick Leave

Employees are also entitled to paid sick leave, provided they have a medical certification. The specific duration can vary depending on the length of service. This is also covered under the Turkish Labour Law (Law No: 4857).

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, 8 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth. This is also covered under the Turkish Labour Law (Law No: 4857).

Paternity Leave

Male employees are entitled to 5 days of paid paternity leave following the birth of their child. This is also covered under the Turkish Labour Law (Law No: 4857).

Other Notable Leave Types

Employees are entitled to 3 days of paid leave upon their marriage. They may also be entitled to a short period of paid leave upon the death of a close family member.

Important Considerations

Employers may offer more generous leave provisions beyond the legal minimums. These would be outlined in employment contracts or employee handbooks.