- Winter sales
- From early to mid January, into February
- Summer sales
- From late June, through July and August
- Black Friday 2026
- “Efsane Cuma”, Friday 27 November
- 11.11 in 2026
- Wednesday 11 November
Istanbul has two big end-of-season sales: winter sales from early or mid January and summer sales from late June. In 2026 the winter sales started on 12 January, and in 2025 the Inditex brands, such as Zara, began their summer sale on 25 June online and 26 June in shops. November is the third season: discounts build up through the month around 11.11 (11 November) and Black Friday, called Efsane Cuma, “Legendary Friday”, which falls on 27 November in 2026. The sales apply in Nişantaşı (Nisantasi) and in the malls alike.
When are the sales in Istanbul?
| When | What | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| January to February | Winter sales (kış indirimi) | Start in early or mid January; deeper discounts later, with smaller choice |
| Late June to August | Summer sales (yaz indirimi) | High-street chains start first, often online the evening before the shops |
| Early November | “Early November” offers | Many brands start discounts from 1 November |
| 11 November | 11.11, Singles’ Day | Mostly online, with some offers in shops |
| Last Friday of November | Efsane Cuma (Black Friday) | 27 November in 2026; some brands extend it over the weekend |
| Monday after | Cyber Monday | 30 November in 2026; mostly online |
There is no single official start date: each brand sets its own, and the dates shift a little each year. Look for the words indirim (sale) and sezon sonu (end of season) in shop windows.
How big are the discounts?
- High-street and Turkish chains usually start at 20 to 30 percent and go to 50 percent or more as the season ends.
- Turkish designer and premium brands join the same seasons, often with smaller first reductions.
- International luxury houses discount less, and some not at all; the department stores, such as Beymen, run their own sales on the labels they carry. See brands in Nişantaşı.
- Electronics and cosmetics have their biggest offers in November.
Tips for sale shopping as a visitor
- Go early in the season for sizes, and on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds. The first weekend of a sale is the busiest.
- Tax-free still works. If the shop takes part, you can claim VAT back on sale items too, provided the receipt reaches the minimum. Ask for the tax-free form when you pay. See tax-free shopping.
- Keep the receipt. Exchanges are usually possible within a set period, but sale items may have stricter rules. Ask before you pay.
- Pay in lira when the card terminal offers to convert to your home currency; the shop’s exchange rate is usually worse.
- Plan around holidays. The Eid holidays and New Year bring crowds but not sales. See the best time to visit.
The Istanbul Shopping Fest, organised by the city’s chamber of commerce, has been held in some years, usually in early summer, with offers and events across the city; its dates vary, so check before you plan around it.
For where to shop, see shopping in Nişantaşı and malls near Nişantaşı.
Frequently asked questions
When do the summer sales start in Istanbul?
In late June. In 2025, Zara and the other Inditex brands started on 25 June online and 26 June in shops; most other chains start around the same time. The sales run through July and August.
When do the winter sales start in Istanbul?
In early or mid January. In 2026 they started on 12 January. Discounts grow through February as stock runs down.
When is Black Friday in Turkey in 2026?
Friday 27 November 2026. In Turkey it is usually called Efsane Cuma, “Legendary Friday”, and many shops run offers through the whole of November.
Can I get a tax refund on sale items?
Yes, if the shop takes part in the tax-free scheme and the receipt reaches the minimum amount. Ask for the form when you pay.