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

ISTANBUL, 24 April (BelTA - Anadolu) - Türkiye on Wednesday participated in ceremonies and festivities to mark the dual celebration of the 105th anniversary of the opening of the Turkish parliament and National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.

Events included school ceremonies, student parades and performances, and symbolic role reversals where children took over official posts in a long-standing tradition.

In the capital Ankara, top officials paid tribute at Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Türkiye.

Students wore traditional costumes and waved Turkish flags.​​​​​​​

Public spaces, as well as some workplaces, hosted festivals with concerts, games, and art exhibitions, reflecting the holiday's dual nature as both a patriotic holiday and a celebration of youth.

- Messages from officials

Officials paid tributes to the republic’s founder and reaffirmed commitment to nurturing future generations with awareness and love.

Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz called April 23, 1920 "a historic turning point" and praised the Grand National Assembly as the "headquarters of the National Struggle."

He honored Ataturk and founding parliamentarians, saying "we remember them with respect and gratitude."

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also expressed gratitude to Ataturk and commemorated the dual significance of the day. "I remember the founder of our republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and all his comrades-in-arms, our martyrs and veterans with respect, mercy and gratitude."

The National Defense Ministry paid tribute to Ataturk as commander-in-chief, affirming that "sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the nation."

Communications Director Fahrettin Altun stressed that April 23 "is not just a date," for Türkiye but affirms the people’s will and passes this legacy on to children.

He added that the ongoing mission is to preserve this spirit and pass it on with the same "belief and determination."

Parliament speaker Numan Kurtulmus said the legislature "continues its work today with the same spirit and determination" as in 1920, stressing "national sovereignty" and the goals to "deepen democracy" and "increase the welfare of our people."

He called April 23 "a day of conscience" for children facing "war, migration, injustice, and poverty," and affirmed it is "a shared duty of humanity" to protect their rights.

"We will never compromise on the ideals of independence and the values of the Republic," he said.