National Sovereignty and Children’s Day

The Grand National Assembly founded in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, on the 23^rd of April, 1920, during the Independence War. The founder of Turkish Republic, Ataturk, dedicated this day to Turkish children. April 23 has been celebrated as National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Turkey since that day. It was one of the biggest national festivals in Turkey. UNICEF has also decided to recognize this day as the International Children's Day.

April 23 is one of the national cornerstones in the history of Turkish Republic. It was on the 23^rd of April that Turkish intellectual people declared that Turkish people had always been independent and opened National Assembly. Ataturk dedicated this sovereignty day to the children as he thought that the protection of sovereignty and independence were in the hands of the youth and children.

Every year, the children in Turkey celebrate thisday as a national holiday. Students, governors and soldiers participate in ceremonies in schools and stadiums.  In theGrand National Assembly, children represent the president, the prime minister and other cabinet ministers for one day.

 During festival, the foreign children are housed in Turkey  and interact with Turkish children and learn about each other's cultures. The foreign children groups also participate in ceremonies. Through these activities, it is aimed to show the importance of international peace and brotherhood.

We have foreign guests from Holland and Croatia in our school for this year’s Children’s Day Festival nowadays. We are participating in a lot of activities together and share our cultures. They are also performing in our ceremonies (see the pictures).  We want to see you as well in Turkey next year to interact and SHARE!

Written by Turkish Students