Is Thanksgiving Celebrated in Turkey? (What Expats Do)

If you’re wondering “Does Turkey celebrate Thanksgiving?”, the simple answer is no — it isn’t an official holiday in Turkey.

However, American expats living in cities like Istanbul often celebrate Thanksgiving through private dinners, potlucks, and restaurant events.

As an American living in Istanbul since 2019, I’ve learned that Thanksgiving still exists here in surprising ways — mostly through expat gatherings, international restaurants, and friends creating their own traditions.

In this guide, I’ll explain:

• Whether people in Turkey celebrate Thanksgiving
• How American expats celebrate Thanksgiving in Turkey
• Turkish holidays that share a similar spirit of gratitude

Let’s start with the most important question. Do people in Turkey celebrate Thanksgiving at all?

Do People in Turkey Celebrate Thanksgiving?

No, Turkey does not celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American tradition that commemorates early colonial history in the United States. Because of that, it isn’t part of Turkish culture or the country’s official holiday calendar.

That said, Thanksgiving does exist in Turkey in a different way — mostly among expats, international communities, and restaurants that host special Thanksgiving dinners each November.

Why Thanksgiving Isn’t a Holiday in Turkey

The main reason Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated in Turkey is simple: it’s tied to North American history.

In the United States, the holiday commemorates early harvest celebrations between European settlers and Native Americans. Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving, though it developed from its own harvest traditions and is celebrated on the second Monday in October, a month earlier than the American holiday.

Because these traditions are rooted in the history of North America, Thanksgiving never became part of Turkey’s national or cultural holidays.

Do Expats Celebrate Thanksgiving in Turkey?

Even though Turkey doesn’t officially celebrate Thanksgiving, American expats almost always find a way to celebrate it.

One challenge is that Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday, which is a normal work and school day in Turkey. Because of that, many expat gatherings happen later in the evening or over the weekend instead.

As an American expat myself, I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving here several times. Most years, we hold our dinner on the Saturday after Thanksgiving so that friends with kids can attend without missing school.

And like many things in expat life, Thanksgiving abroad requires a little creativity.

Some ingredients that are common in the United States can be surprisingly difficult to find in Turkey. Fresh cranberries, for example, are almost impossible to track down.

Every November, you’ll see expats asking in Facebook groups if anyone is flying in from the United States and willing to bring things like cranberry sauce, canned pumpkin, or marshmallows.

One year, our group of friends spent two days tracking down ingredients across Istanbul, buying turkey from Metro Market, canned pumpkin from an American import shop, and cranberry sauce that someone had packed in their suitcase.

Let me tell you, that is not fun on public transportation.

In the end, though, we still managed to pull together a pretty convincing Thanksgiving meal with turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

Side note: while doing research, I came across this cool article from History.com about what was actually eaten at that first Thanksgiving.

When Is Thanksgiving Celebrated in Turkey?

If you celebrate Thanksgiving while living in Turkey, you’ll usually celebrate it on the same date as the United States.

American Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday of November.

However, since Thursday is a normal workday in Turkey, many expats celebrate the holiday later in the evening or over the following weekend so that more people can attend.

Where to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Istanbul

If you don’t want to cook a full Thanksgiving meal yourself, there are several places in Istanbul where expats gather for the holiday.

Each year, some international restaurants and hotels offer special Thanksgiving dinners with traditional dishes like roast turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

Expat communities also organize potlucks and gatherings where people bring their favorite Thanksgiving dishes to share.

Checking expat websites like Yabangee or local Facebook groups is often the best way to find Thanksgiving events happening around the city.

Is Turkey a Popular Destination During Thanksgiving?

For Americans, Thanksgiving can also be a convenient time to travel because it creates a long weekend.

While Turkey doesn’t celebrate the holiday itself, many travelers visit cities like Istanbul or Cappadocia during late November when crowds are smaller, and temperatures are cooler.

For American travelers abroad, celebrating Thanksgiving in another country can create a unique twist on a familiar tradition.

How Thanksgiving Is Celebrated in Turkey

Expat Gatherings

Most celebrations take place in private homes where Americans and other expats cook a Thanksgiving meal together.

These dinners often look a little different than they do in the United States because certain ingredients are hard to find — but the spirit of the holiday remains the same.

International Restaurants

In larger cities like Istanbul, some international restaurants offer special Thanksgiving dinners each year.

These meals are especially popular with expats who want a traditional holiday meal without the stress of tracking down ingredients.

Community Events

Occasionally, expat communities organize Thanksgiving events or potluck dinners. Websites like Yabangee sometimes list events happening around the city during the holiday season.

Turkish Holidays Centered Around Gratitude

While Turkey does not celebrate Thanksgiving, gratitude and generosity play an important role in many Turkish holidays, especially religious ones.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month-long fast observed by Muslims.

During this holiday, families gather for large meals, visit relatives, and give gifts. It’s also a time when people express gratitude and share food with neighbors and those in need.

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is another major religious holiday in Turkey.

Families sacrifice an animal — often a sheep — and distribute portions of the meat to relatives, friends, and people in need. The tradition emphasizes generosity, community, and gratitude.

National Sovereignty and Children’s Day

Turkey also celebrates National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on April 23rd, which honors the founding of the Turkish parliament.

Although very different from Thanksgiving, it is a day focused on appreciation for children and the future of the country.

While these holidays aren’t Thanksgiving, they reflect many of the same values of gratitude, family, and sharing food together.

FAQs About Thanksgiving in Turkey