Türkiye marks National Sovereignty and Children’s Day with nationwide events

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye is celebrating the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, marking the 104th anniversary of the foundation of the country's parliament on Tuesday.

All provinces across the country are poised to host a series of colorful celebrations throughout the entire day. With numerous festivities, events, ceremonies, and concerts scheduled for April 23, Istanbul, the capital Ankara, and other major cities have already witnessed early celebrations to honor this special day.

Several high-ranking officials, including Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya marked the day.

“With the joy of witnessing the holiday happiness of both our country's children and the children of the world whom we host, I sincerely congratulate our April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, and wish for peaceful celebrations for many more years to come,” said Kurtulmus on X.

On the occasion of the day, Kurtulmus also visited Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye.

"In today's world, being a child in war and crisis zones has become one of the most difficult burdens. Our wish is for the smiles of children in our country and around the world to never fade and for their laughter to never diminish," wrote Kurtulmus in the memorial book of Anitkabir.

”During the most fervent days of our National Struggle, our Gallant Assembly, which led our War of Independence, set an example and provided light to oppressed nations as well,” Yerlikaya said on X.

"Happy April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day, the day when the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye confirmed that sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation, a gift bestowed upon our children by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk!" said the country's Foreign Ministry in its celebration message on X.

The National Defense Ministry marked the day, as well, saying: "We remember with mercy, gratitude, and respect our Commander-in-Chief, the founder of our Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who gifted this beautiful holiday to our children, who will be the architects of our future."

The special day in Türkiye is marked by a festival for children, while public offices, schools, and the private sector have also organized several programs.

The April 23 celebrations focus on children after Ataturk dedicated the day to children as the nation’s future.

The Turkish Grand National Assembly met for the first time in Ankara in 1920 during the War of Independence to lay the foundations for an independent, secular, and modern republic.