National Sovereignty and Children's Day, a unique holiday celebrated in Turkey, is an occasion that honors the nation's sovereignty and places a special emphasis on the value and significance of children in society. It holds the distinction of being the only public holiday in the world devoted to children. The date, April 23rd, is no coincidence but is historically significant as it commemorates the day in 1920 when the Turkish Grand National Assembly was inaugurated during the War of Independence, marking the establishment of modern Turkey's sovereign power.
The holiday is fully embedded in the spirit of national unity and respect for children. Traditionally on this day, children take seats in the Turkish Parliament and symbolically govern the country for a day. They are also given the opportunity to participate in a wide array of activities, such as drama, dance, and music performances, in schools and other public areas. This not only builds their confidence but also underlines the nation's commitment towards investing in their future.
Besides being a joyous occasion for children, National Sovereignty and Children's Day is also a moment of national pride and reflection for the Turkish people. The day is marked with ceremonies and parades, with the main ceremonies taking place at the Atatürk Mausoleum in Ankara. It was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, who dedicated April 23rd to the children of the nation, reflecting his deep belief in the children as the future of the nation.