National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) is a unique public holiday in Turkey that celebrates both the founding of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and honors children as the future of the nation. It’s the world’s first and only national holiday dedicated to children.
Quick Facts
When is it: April 23rd annually
Tagged as: National Holiday, Children’s Festival
What’s the hashtag: #ChildrensDay #23Nisan
When was it founded: Initially in 1920, dedicated to children in 1927
Who founded it: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
History
The holiday originated during Turkey’s War of Independence when the Grand National Assembly was established in 1920. Atatürk, recognizing children as the nation’s future, dedicated this day to children in 1927, making Turkey the first country to declare a Children’s Day as a national holiday. In 1981, it was officially named “National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.”
Timeline
• 1920: Foundation of the Grand National Assembly
• 1921: Declared as National Sovereignty Day
• 1927: Dedicated to children
• 1979: First International Children’s Festival
• 1981: Official renaming to National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April | 23 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | April | 23 | Thursday |
| 2027 | April | 23 | Friday |
| 2028 | April | 23 | Sunday |
| 2029 | April | 23 | Monday |
| 2030 | April | 23 | Tuesday |
Observed
Children symbolically take over government positions for the day, including the presidency. Schools organize performances, parades, and cultural programs. The TRT International Children’s Festival brings children from about 50 countries to participate in cultural exchanges.
Fun Facts About
• Turkey is the only country that dedicates a national holiday to children worldwide
• Children from different countries stay with Turkish families during the festival
• The parliament is run by children for one day
• International participation has grown from 5 to over 50 countries
Quiz
- When was the Grand National Assembly founded?
- Who dedicated this day to children?
- How many countries participated in the first international festival?
(Answers: 1. April 23, 1920 2. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk 3. Five countries)
FAQs
• Is it a public holiday? Yes, government offices and schools are closed
• Do other countries celebrate it? Yes, particularly Northern Cyprus and several other participating nations
• What activities take place? Parades, performances, ceremonial government takeover by children
Related
• International Children’s Day
• World Children’s Day
• Universal Children’s Day
• Turkish Independence Day
• Republic Day of Turkey
