Special Occasions · Teachers' Day
Short answer
Teachers' Day is celebrated in Turkey every year on November 24th. November 24, 2026, falls on a Tuesday . The date commemorates November 24, 1928, when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was recognized as the "Chief Teacher" of the National Schools, and has been celebrated since 1981.
November 24th is not a public holiday ; schools are open and celebrations are held with ceremonies at schools. World Teachers' Day, according to the UNESCO calendar, is celebrated every year on October 5th .
As November approaches, one of the most frequently asked questions is, "When is Teachers' Day?" The answer is the same every year, but the exact day it falls on, whether it's a holiday, and when to send flowers to teachers on that day are all planned annually. In this guide, we've gathered the history, the 2026 calendar, and tips for sending flowers to schools in Istanbul all in one place.
When is Teachers' Day celebrated?
In Turkey, Teachers' Day has a fixed date: November 24th every year . Unlike Mother's Day or Father's Day, which fall on a weekday, celebrations are held at school during class hours. The table below shows which day of the week November 24th will fall on in the coming years.
Teachers' Day calendar, 2025–2030
| Year | History | Day of the week | Where is the celebration held? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 24, 2025 | Monday | School, weekday ceremony |
| 2026 | November 24, 2026 | Tuesday This year | At school, the same day |
| 2027 | November 24, 2027 | Wednesday | At school, the same day |
| 2028 | November 24, 2028 | Friday | At school, before the weekend |
| 2029 | November 24, 2029 | Saturday | In most schools, it is moved to Friday (November 23). |
| 2030 | November 24, 2030 | Sunday | In most schools it will be moved to Friday (November 22). |
What day is Teachers' Day in 2026?
Tuesday, November 24, 2026. The fact that it's a weekday and the second day of the week says two things in terms of planning:
- The ceremonies are held on the same day. Most schools organize the celebration on Tuesday morning during the first lessons or at lunchtime. Gifts and flowers usually reach the teacher that morning.
- There is no weekend postponement. The celebration doesn't need to be moved to Friday, as it will be in 2029 and 2030; you can reach your teacher exactly on November 24th.
- Monday is preparation day. Class representatives and parents usually finalize orders for joint gifts, cards, and flowers by Monday, November 23rd.
If you're planning to send flowers to a teacher, the most convenient way is to place your order on Monday for Tuesday morning delivery. We've detailed the delivery schedule below .
Why November 24th? The History of Teachers' Day.
The choice of November 24th is no coincidence. The date is based on the Republic's greatest education campaign and Atatürk's title of "Chief Teacher." The sequence of events is as follows:
November 1, 1928 — Alphabet Reform
Law No. 1353, which adopted the new Turkish alphabet, was passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly. At a time when the vast majority of the country was illiterate, this represented a massive educational campaign.
November 11, 1928 — Decision on National Schools
The Council of Ministers decided to establish People's Schools to teach the public to read and write using the new alphabet, and bestowed the title of "Chief Teacher" of these schools upon Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
November 24, 1928 — The title of Head Teacher was formalized.
The National Schools Regulations were published in the Official Gazette; Atatürk's title of Chief Teacher gained official recognition. This is the historical date we celebrate today.
January 1, 1929 — People's Schools were opened.
Classes began nationwide; Atatürk himself taught at the blackboard. In the early years, hundreds of thousands of adults learned to read and write.
November 24, 1981 — The first Teachers' Day
On the 100th anniversary of Atatürk's birth, November 24th was officially declared "Teachers' Day" and celebrated for the first time. It has been commemorated on the same date every year since then.
In short, Teachers' Day is more than just a celebration of a profession; it's a day to remember a nation's literacy campaign and the "Chief Teacher" who spearheaded it. That's why Atatürk is commemorated at ceremonies, and the "Chief Teacher" is emphasized in schools.
Is Teachers' Day a public holiday? Are schools open?
No, Teachers' Day is not a public holiday. In Turkey, public holidays are listed in Law No. 2429 on National and General Holidays; November 24th is not on this list. Therefore:
- Schools are open. According to the Ministry of National Education's academic calendar, November 24th is not a holiday, but a "day of ceremonies and events." Many schools shorten class hours and hold celebratory programs on that day, but education does not cease.
- Public institutions and businesses remain open. Florists, cargo and courier services also continue as normal, making same-day delivery possible.
- If it falls on a weekend (2029, 2030), the celebration is usually moved to the previous Friday; no additional holiday is added.
If you're wondering which days are public holidays, for 2026 the official holidays are January 1st, April 23rd, May 1st, May 19th, July 15th, August 30th, October 29th, and religious holidays. The absence of a Teachers' Day stems from the fact that it's considered a day of remembrance celebrated through work.
World Teachers' Day and Dates in Other Countries
November 24th is a national date in Turkey. However, on the international calendar , World Teachers' Day is celebrated on October 5th . UNESCO declared this day in 1994; the date commemorates the anniversary of the "Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers," adopted in Paris in 1966. October 5th, 2026 falls on a Monday. While some universities and international schools in Turkey also commemorate October 5th, the main day celebrated by the public is November 24th.
| Country / Institution | History | What does he remember? |
|---|---|---|
| Türkiye | November 24 | Atatürk's title of Chief Teacher (1928) |
| UNESCO (World) | October 5 | 1966 Paris Recommendation |
| Azerbaijan | October 5 | UNESCO calendar |
| India | September 5th | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's birthday |
| Czech Republic and Slovakia | March 28 | Jan Amos Comenius's birthday |
| Iranian | May 2 | Commemoration of Murtaza Mutahhari |
| Malaysia | May 16 | National education report (1956) |
| Peru | July 6 | National day since 1953. |
| Arab countries (12 countries) | February 28 | Common Arabic calendar |
| Australia | Last Friday of October | National celebration |
How is Teachers' Day celebrated in Türkiye?
The rhythm of November 24th in Türkiye has been similar for years: a ceremony in the morning, small surprises throughout the day, and a dinner and awards program for teachers in the evening. Prominent traditions include:
- School ceremonies include: the National Anthem, a moment of silence, Atatürk's words on education, poems, and musical performances. In kindergartens, children give cards they have made themselves.
- Commemoration: Wreath-laying ceremonies are held at Anıtkabir and at Atatürk busts in schoolyards; the first Chief Teacher is remembered.
- Awards: The Ministry of National Education awards "teachers of the year" every year on November 24th; provincial and district directorates visit retired teachers.
- Gifts from students and parents: The most common are flowers and cards. Classes often receive a shared bouquet or orchid; parents send individual flowers to kindergarten and elementary school teachers.
- Reaching out to old teachers: Even years later, texting, calling, or sending flowers to a former teacher is one of the most touching traditions of November 24th.
Flowers for the Teacher: When and Which Ones?
Knowing the date of Teachers' Day is half the battle; the other half is arriving at the right time with the right flowers to your teacher on that day. Three short principles:
Timing: Morning of November 24th
The teacher is at school that day; it's most natural for the flowers to arrive at the school, not the home, before the ceremony. In schools where the celebration takes place during the first lesson of the morning, it's safer to send the flowers home the day before, on the evening of November 23rd.
Color: warm and simple tones
Red roses are not usually chosen for teachers because they evoke romantic associations. Apricot, pink, white, yellow, and salmon tones better convey gratitude. Autumn flowers, chrysanthemums, and seasonal bouquets are also very suitable for this occasion.
Lifespan: long-lasting designs
Orchids and potted plants stand out as class gifts; they remain in the teachers' room for months, even years, serving as reminders of the classroom. As for individual gifts, pre-arranged vase arrangements eliminate the need for teachers to search for vases at school.
-
Lia · Salmon pink flowers in a crystal vase . It arrives with its vase and immediately finds its place in the teachers' room. -
White orchid · A class gift. It stays in bloom for months; the most lasting thank you on behalf of the class. -
Plant in a ceramic pot · A simple and elegant choice for a male teacher, that will live on his desk for years to come.
To see detailed information about options, class and school administration gifts, and price ranges, please visit our Teacher's Day flowers page. It's also possible to add a special note card or a box of chocolates along with the flowers.
Have your teacher receive flowers on November 24th! Ribbon Flowers' designer flowers are delivered the same day throughout Istanbul for orders placed before 2 PM.
Same-Day School Delivery Schedule in Istanbul
Ribbon Flowers offers same-day flower delivery to all districts of Istanbul. Here is our suggested calendar for Teachers' Day week:
| When? | What should be done? | From where? |
|---|---|---|
| November 17–20 (one week ago) | As a class, decide on a joint gift and order either orchids or a large arrangement. | For bulk and corporate orders, there is more time left for design and card text. |
| Monday, November 23 | Place your order for delivery to the school on Tuesday morning; include the school's name, the teacher's name, and the ceremony time in the note. | Deliveries scheduled for the next day leave in the first batches of the morning. |
| Until Tuesday, November 24th, 2 PM | Last order time for same-day delivery. Orders for Beşiktaş, Şişli, Sarıyer, Beyoğlu, and Kağıthane are accepted until 17:00. | The afternoon is the deadline for deliveries that arrive before school dismissal. |
| On the evening of November 24th | Evening delivery to the teacher's home, or a "late thank you" message by November 25th. | On a busy day, teachers usually open the gifts in the evening. |
Three pieces of information that make delivery to school easier.
- The full name of the school and entrance information: On large campuses, the security gate and the administration building may be different; a note such as "administrative building, information desk" will make the courier's job easier.
- Teacher's name and class: There may be two teachers with the same name at the same school; the note "3-B class teacher" prevents confusion.
- Ceremony time: To ensure the flowers arrive in time for the 9:00 AM ceremony, planning the process a day in advance is the safest approach.
Simply enter this information in the "order notes" field when placing your order. The same rules apply for deliveries outside of school, to the teacher's home or workplace.
Examples of Short Card Messages for Teachers
A few lines added alongside the flowers are what make the gift personal. It doesn't have to be long; it just needs to be heartfelt.
You taught us not only the lesson, but also how to be curious. Happy Teachers' Day! From a student .
You are the reason our child runs to school every morning. Thank you for your efforts. A parent
We, the class of 3-B, love you very much. May this orchid live as long as our class. A class collaboration .
Years have passed, but what you taught me is still with me. I'm so glad you were my teacher. From a graduating student .
For more examples and notes suitable for different occasions, you can check out our article on meaningful flower notes and our ready-made note cards options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teachers' Day
When is Teachers' Day?
In Türkiye, Teachers' Day is celebrated every year on November 24th. The date is fixed and does not change depending on the day of the week.
What day of the week is Teachers' Day in 2026?
November 24, 2026, falls on a Tuesday. School ceremonies are held on that day; since it's a weekday, flowers and gifts are usually sent to the school on that day or the day before.
Is Teachers' Day a public holiday?
No. November 24th is not among the holidays listed in Law No. 2429 on National Holidays and Public Holidays. Schools and workplaces are open; celebrations are held with ceremonies within the curriculum.
Why is Teachers' Day celebrated on November 24th?
Following the 1928 Alphabet Reform, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk became the "Head Teacher" of the People's Schools that were opened; the date of November 24, 1928, when this title was officially recognized, was accepted as Teachers' Day in 1981.
When was Teachers' Day first celebrated?
The first Teachers' Day in Türkiye was celebrated on November 24th, 1981, the 100th anniversary of Atatürk's birth. It has been celebrated on the same date every year since then.
When is World Teachers' Day?
World Teachers' Day is celebrated on October 5th, a date declared by UNESCO in 1994. Türkiye, however, celebrates it on its own national date, November 24th.
Are schools closed on Teachers' Day?
No, schools are open. According to the Ministry of National Education's annual calendar, November 24th is not a holiday, but a day for ceremonies and events. Some schools shorten class hours and organize celebratory programs on that day.
When should flowers be sent to a teacher?
The best time is the morning of November 24th, when the teacher is at school. For same-day delivery in Istanbul, orders must be placed by 2 PM; for schools where the ceremony is held in the morning, scheduling delivery for the evening of November 23rd is safer.
What flowers should be given on Teachers' Day?
The most popular flower choices for teachers are bouquets of seasonal flowers, long-lasting orchids, and potted plants that can be used in the teachers' room for years. Since red roses evoke romantic associations, pink, apricot, white, or yellow shades are generally chosen for teachers.
What happens in Türkiye on Teachers' Day?
Ceremonies, poetry and music recitals are organized in schools; Atatürk is commemorated at Anıtkabir and in schoolyards; the Ministry of National Education awards the teachers of the year; students and parents give their teachers flowers, cards and small gifts; retired teachers are visited.
This November 24th, remember your teacher. Whether it's your current teacher or one from years ago. A beautifully designed bouquet and a few heartfelt words will suffice.
Sources
- Ministry of National Education, General Directorate of Teacher Training and Development – November 24th Teachers' Day
- UNESCO – World Teachers' Day, 5 October
- Legislation Information System – Law No. 2429 on National Holidays and Public Holidays
- Official Gazette, November 24, 1928 – Regulations for National Schools
Last update: September 22, 2026. Calendar information is checked and updated annually.