Turkey declares nine-day public holiday for Eid al-Adha

According to the document, all public employees will be granted administrative leave for a full day on Friday, Sept. 16, after the last day of Eid al-Adha, which celebrates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God.

It officially extends the religious holiday to nine days, including the preceding and following weekends.

In addition, public employees, including those who have retired, will be paid their salaries before the Eid al-Adha holiday between Sept. 8 and Sept. 9, according to the document.

Thousands of Turks traditionally travel to their hometowns to spend time with their families during the Eid al-Adha holiday, which has in recent years seen increased traffic accidents across the country due to mass traveling.

Turkish authorities had also earlier declared a nine-day public holiday for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.