National Sovereignty and Children's Day

23 April National Sovereignty and Children's Day, one of the most important holidays in Türkiye, started to be celebrated with the establishment of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1920. Let's take a look at the history of this special day.

This holiday was first celebrated on November 1, 1922 when the sultanate was abolished by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the sovereignty was given to the people from the sultan. It started to be celebrated with its current name in 1981.

So what was the reason for this day being given to children?

For the great leader Atatürk, children are the future of the nation and country. He dedicated this day to the children of the country to emphasize that they are the future of the new nation and

entrusted in the hands of the youth the protection of this sovereignty and independence. Hitherto no leader had ever gifted such an important holiday to children. He made his mark in the history of the world as a true leader. This shows how a great leader Atatürk was.

Celebrations

April 23 celebrations are celebrated in every primary school in Türkiye with various games and performances. Celebration preparations begin two or three months beforehand. The celebrations are so fun that even after years, you remember that day until the song of the show you prepared.

And also every few years, children from all over the world put on performances in Türkiye.

Who is celebrating?

The festival, the first of which was attended only by the USSR, Iraq, Italy, Romania and Bulgaria, is held today with the participation of children from approximately 50 countries including Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Singapore, Belgium, Italy, Russia, Germany, Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, Israel, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, French, Swiss, Spain, Lithuania, Netherlands, Slovenia, England, Cuba, Ukraine, China, Chile, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Luxembourg, Croatia, Kosovo, Poland, Canada, Czech Republic, Georgia, Yakutia, and the USA.

Endless thanks to Atatürk for such a meaningful and important day.

“Little ladies, little gentlemen, You are all the roses, the stars and the sparkling joy of our future, the ones who will elevate the nation. Always be aware of your value and significance! And work hard... We have great expectations from you.”

Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK