Türkiye’s President Erdogan marks National Sovereignty and Children’s Day

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday celebrated the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, marking the 104th anniversary of the foundation of the country's parliament.

“I extend my congratulations on the 104th anniversary of the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and on April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, which is the joy of our beloved children, the apple of our eyes.

“I respectfully commemorate everyone who has contributed to bringing our country to where it stands today, especially the first President of the Grand National Assembly, the Commander-in-Chief of our War of Independence, and the founder of our Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,” said Erdogan on X.

Erdogan also commemorated Türkiye’s “heroic martyrs” who died for Türkiye’s independence and future “without hesitation.”

Türkiye’s first lady Emine Erdogan celebrated the day on X, saying: “In the smiling eyes of our children, the light of our future shines. We know that each of them is a gem grown in these lands.”

“With their intelligence, diligence, and patriotism, Türkiye will reach even greater heights. I wholeheartedly believe that all our children, who will be guided by science and reason, will become ambassadors of peace and love. Happy April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day to all,” she added.

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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​