National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Turkey

Date: April 23rd

History: National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Turkey, known as "Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı," is a unique holiday that was established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. It marks the inauguration of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey at Ankara in 1920, during the War of Independence. Significantly, it underscores Turkey's transition from a sultanate to a new parliamentary republic.

Atatürk dedicated April 23rd to children, recognizing them as the future of the newly formed nation. This dedication is a reflection of his belief in the importance of children's role in nation-building and peace.

Traditions:

• Children’s Festivals: Schools host ceremonies where children perform dances, recite poems, and engage in various performances celebrating Turkish culture and history.
• Official Ceremonies: Government officials attend a special session at the Grand National Assembly to commemorate its establishment.
• Student Exchange: Children from around the world are invited to Turkey to participate in cultural exchanges, promoting global friendship and cultural understanding.
• Children Take Charge: In symbolic gestures, children take over key roles in government for the day; they sit in parliament and even act as mayors, reflecting their importance to the nation’s future.

What People Do:

• Citizens across Turkey celebrate with parades and various public events.
• Families spend time with their children on outings or attending special activities organized for this day.
• Television and radio channels broadcast programs related to children's themes.

National Sovereignty and Children's Day is not only a public holiday that celebrates independence and democracy but also emphasizes international peace and solidarity among children worldwide.