Museums and Palaces Open During Kurban Bayram Holiday?

As the Kurban Bayram holiday approaches, many Turks are planning cultural excursions, leading to inquiries about the operating hours of museums and palaces.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced that museums under its purview will generally open at 13:00 on the first day of the holiday, resuming normal hours thereafter. This adjustment acknowledges religious observances.

Specific sites have unique schedules. The Basilica Cistern will open at 12:00 on the first day and will be accessible until 23:50 with a "Night Shift" option throughout the holiday. Miniatürk, the Cistern of Theodosius, and Panorama 1453 History Museum will be closed on the first day but will open from 09:00 to 19:00 starting May 28.

National Palaces, including the prominent Dolmabahçe Palace, will also follow a modified schedule. Most will be closed on the first day, with the exception of Topkapi Palace, which will be open from 10:30 to 17:30. Palaces such as Dolmabahçe, Beylerbeyi, Yıldız, and various pavilions will reopen on the second day of the holiday, operating under normal visiting hours.