23/04/2026
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN'S DAY
The origins go back to April 23, 1920, during the War of Independence in Turkey. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the Grand National Assembly met in Ankara to chart the future of a new Turkish republic. The day was proclaimed a national holiday in 1921 — marking the first National holiday of the new Turkey.
So how, did a public holiday become associated with Children’s Day? The world owes it to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. In 1927, he dedicated April 23 to Turkey’s children to recognize that they are the future.
Ever since, the country has welcomed and hosted thousands of children from different countries on this day. It’s a wholly unique holiday, as public holidays are a day that combines solemn official ceremonies with engaging children’s festivals. What’s more, Turkish schoolchildren take over the Parliament and govern the country for a day. Every year, the symbolic act acknowledges the power of the youth to shape a better tomorrow. Children elect a President from among themselves who addresses the country on national T.V.
Celebrations are made extra special by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation. The state-owned entity invites children from different countries to visit Turkey. Children ages eight to 14 years come and stay with Turkish families for a week of exchanging stories and cultural traditions. That’s seven days of festivals, food, and music. Everyone then meets for a grand performance on April 23 to mark the end of the week-long festivities.
On National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, the world celebrates with Turkey. Today not only honors the incredible journey of the Turkish republic but looks to an exciting future for the world’s children.
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