Labor and Solidarity Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is a national holiday in Turkey that acknowledges the economic and social achievements of workers. The day, celebrated on the 1st of May each year, is dedicated to the labor movement and its contributions towards the country's growth and prosperity. This essentially reflects the international Labor Day festivities observed worldwide, commemorating the Haymarket Affair of 1886 in Chicago, where workers protested for an eight-hour workday.
In Turkey, Labor and Solidarity Day was first celebrated in 1923, just after the foundation of the Turkish Republic. However, the holiday was later banned for several years due to the political instability and social unrest during the 1980s. It was only in 2009 that the Turkish government reinstated this day as a national holiday, recognizing the importance of workers' rights and the labor movement in Turkey's social and economic progress.
The celebration of Labor and Solidarity Day in Turkey today is marked by numerous rallies and events organized by labor unions, political parties, and other worker's organizations. These events often include demonstrations advocating for workers' rights and improved labor conditions. Despite the holiday's tumultuous history, the day is now a key part of the country's annual calendar, reminding everyone of the critical role played by workers and their unions in societal development and economic prosperity.