Türkiye Celebrates National Sovereignty and Children's Day on 104th Anniversary of Parliament

Türkiye is celebrating National Sovereignty and Children's Day today, April 23, 2024, marking the 104th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The Turkish Parliament, founded on April 23, 1920, made Türkiye the first country in the world to dedicate a national holiday to children, emphasizing the importance of democracy and educating future generations.

The Ministry of National Education has prepared a special event program this year to commemorate the opening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The celebrations include a 'Parliamentary Garden, Children's Garden and Science Festival', where the Parliament garden will be transformed into a children's area with educational and entertaining science stands. Prizes will be awarded to children in various competitions, and traditional children's games will be played in the Parliament garden for the first time.

A special train called the '23 April Express ' will take children on a trip 'from the establishment of the Republic to the next century', and a special session of the Turkish Grand National Assembly will be held, where children will govern the parliament. The celebrations also include visits to Anıtkabir, the eternal resting place of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and the decoration of the Ministry of National Education's garden for children's activities.

Why this matters: National Sovereignty and Children's Day not only celebrates the establishment of Turkish democracy but also highlights the country's commitment to empowering and educating its youth. By dedicating this day to children, Türkiye emphasizes the importance of investing in future generations and ensuring their active participation in shaping the nation's future.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who did not have biological children but had many adopted ones, dedicated this holiday to children worldwide as a symbol of the future. The mayor of Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, Tahir Büyükakın, expressed that while the children in Türkiye celebrate this day with joy, the children in oppressed regions are facing difficulties, and their futures are uncertain. He called for the world to remember that all children should be able to laugh and grow up in a modern world based on knowledge and love.

Key Takeaways

• Türkiye celebrates National Sovereignty and Children's Day on April 23, 2024.
• The Turkish Parliament established this holiday in 1920, the first in the world.
• Celebrations include a 'Parliamentary Garden, Children's Garden and Science Festival'.
• A special '23 April Express' train takes children on a journey through history.
• The holiday emphasizes Türkiye's commitment to empowering and educating its youth.