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National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Turkey

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Children's Day in Kas, a long time ago.

On the 23rd of April every year, the streets of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and other large cities, towns and villages across Turkey will be full of local school children. Decked out in brightly clean school uniforms, with the neatest hair and straightest socks, they march proudly alongside fire trucks, police marching bands and other municipal vehicles. Songs about the Turkish Republic are sung, famous moments from modern Turkish history are re-enacted and small boys recite poetry as loudly as humanly possible.

Known as Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı, National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, it was gazetted as a public holiday in honour of the first ever gathering of the Grand National Assembly (the Turkish Parliament), which took place on this day in 1920. Ataturk dedicated the Turkish Republic to children, and starting from 1923, a whole week was put aside to promote activities for them. Even now, Turkish schoolchildren take seats in parliament for the day, elect their own leader and govern the country and even ‘fly’ planes belonging to government-owned Turkish Airlines. Since 1979 the state-run Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) has run a Children’s Festival, bringing children from different countries to Turkey to experience Turkish hospitality and appear in gala performances on April 23.

Ataturk statue commemorating teaching in Kadikoy

I once went to my local neighbourhood of Kadıköy, intending to catch a ferry to the other side, but was side-tracked by the sight of hundreds of children dressed in traditional costume, whirling and spinning and running around excitedly, waiting for their turn to be photographed. Dance troupes were positioned in front of a statue showing Atatürk teaching the new Turkish alphabet to a group of children. At his feet lay bouquets of flowers and sombre wreaths, left by local dignitaries and businessmen earlier in the day, at one of the many ceremonies dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. The biggest ceremony takes place at the Ataturk Mausoleum in Ankara.

If you’re in Turkey on April 23, do look out for celebrations happening in your location. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them. Here’s my post about all the other Turkish National Public Holidays.

Whenever you come make the most of your trip – read up on local life and culture in one of my booksuse my audio walking tour of Kadikoy,  stay in a fabulous hotel or prebook a tour of the city. Part of the money I earn in commissions goes towards the cost of  providing information about Istanbul and Turkey to readers for free. Please help me continue to help you.

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