National Sovereignty and Children’s Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Cappadocia

National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (“Ulusal Egemenlik ve ocuk Bayram”) is a public holiday with a distinction in Turkey on April 23. The first president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, dedicated April 23 to all of the world’s children — the future’s guardians and creators. The day also commemorates the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. According to our knowledge, Turkey is the only nation where children are the official symbols of national pride and advancement. We believe that more nations should take a page from their book.

The background of National Sovereignty and Children’s Day

The history dates back to April 23, 1920, during the Turkish War of Independence. Following the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the Grand National Assembly convened in Ankara to plan the destiny of the new Turkish republic. In 1921, the day was declared a national holiday, making it the first national holiday of the newly founded Turkey.

How then did a national holiday become associated with Children’s Day? Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic, owes the world a great deal. In 1927, he dedicated April 23 to the youth of Turkey, recognising them as the nation’s future.

Since then, the country has embraced and hosted thousands of international children on this day. Public holidays are a day that combine solemn official ceremonies with entertaining children’s festivals, making it an entirely unique holiday. In addition, Turkish schoolchildren govern the nation for a day by seizing control of the Parliament. Every year, the symbolic act recognises the youth’s ability to influence a better future. A President elected by children who addresses the nation on national television.

The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation enhances the significance of festivities. The state-owned organisation invites minors from abroad to visit Turkey. Children between the ages of eight and fourteen spend a week exchanging stories and cultural traditions with Turkish families. That is seven days of music, cuisine, and festivals. On April 23, everyone gathers for a grand performance to commemorate the conclusion of the week-long celebration.

On National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, the international community celebrates alongside Turkey. Today not only celebrates the remarkable voyage of the Turkish republic, but also looks forward to an exciting future for the children of the world.

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5 CAPPADOCIA FACTS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

Cappadocia is renowned for its aerial views, but it also contains over fifty underground communities.

The appellation “Cappadocia” was first used by the Persian emperor Darius I in the sixth century B.C.

The fantastic rock formations known as ‘Cappadocia fairies’ are the consequence of a volcanic eruption and gradual erosion.

The Goreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia contains some of the finest rock-hewn structures and frescoes.

The area has been inhabited by humans since the Palaeolithic period.

NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN’S DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	April 23	Sunday
2024	April 23	Tuesday
2025	April 23	Wednesday
2026	April 23	Thursday
2027	April 23	Friday