Children’s Day is celebrated today by the neighbors with concerts, an airshow…

Children across Turkey are holding joyous celebrations today, marking the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Grand National Assembly in Ankaraas this historic day was dedicated by Atatürk, to the future of the country, the children.

Turkey today marks a key moment in its history when the First Grand National Assembly was established on April 23, 1920. It is a significant step towards asserting independence and establishing a modern secular republic. Various festivities unfold across the country today to celebrate this momentous day.

The Bulgarian Association of Fenerbahce fans is organizing an event on April 23, Children’s Day. The event took place in the “Sofia” sports hall in Sofia. The celebration was attended by families of Turks in Bulgaria.

The Turkish municipality of Tekirdag invited children from the Balkan countries to the celebrations of Turkey’s national sovereignty and Children’s Day on April 23.

The celebrations began with procession, in which children from Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, as well as Turkey, participated.

The demonstration started in front of the historic governor’s building and ended at the Atatürk monument. After laying a wreath at the monument and a moment of silence, the national anthem of Turkey was played.

In the southern province Antalya children experienced a wonderful holiday spirit with the International Festival of Children and Kites, organized by the municipality of the city.

Semih Öztürk Şener, Turkey’s only civilian female pilot, performed aerobatic maneuvers in her Yeni Menekşe plane and attended an autograph signing ceremony for her young fans. Eshel Gorenoglu, vice-chairman of the organizing committee, emphasized that this event, which is now in its ninth year, aims to connect children to the sky, giving around 80 children the opportunity to fly in different types of airplanes and helicopters.

Children in Kartepe in the northwest of Kocaeli celebrated the day with special event at the Naval Air Command. They visited the 351st Helicopter Line Support Command, viewed the helicopters and tested a water rescue simulator. Rear Admiral Mehmet Savas Esser joined the festivities, inspiring the children’s interest in aviation and naval operations.

In Eskişehir’s Sivrihisar in central Turkey, as part of the “Aviator Kids Event” at the Necati Artan facilities, children and their parents explored the Aviation and Space Museum located in the city. Aspirants experienced the thrill of flying helicopters and airplanes under the guidance of experienced pilots. Children took part in a competition with handmade paper airplanes, aiming to throw them as far as possible. Participants received certificates and various gifts for their efforts.

A community education center in the area organized an event for children in local hospitals for treatment. Activities such as wood painting and marbling were organized, accompanied by clowns, music, games and giftswhich created a festive atmosphere in the children’s ward and brought joy to the little patients.

In Köygeiz, in the southwestern district of Mugla, today ended the National Canoe Kayak Competition, the Children’s Day Cup and the Durgunsu Spring Cup. The race is part of the Turkish Canoe Federation’s 2024 program. It included races in various categories, with 230 competitors competing. Despite the bad weather, the races went smoothly.

It was a historic day for Turkey marked also in the regions in North-Eastern Greece with various manifestations, where the majority of the Muslim population of the country lives. Turkish children in the region participated in programs organized by local youth unions, demonstrating their love for Atatürk through poetry, songs and folk dances.

Children enjoyed balloons, sweets and gifts during the events, and a magician entertained the little ones. Aykut Yunal, Consul General of Turkey in Komotini, welcomed the events, stressing the importance of young people taking responsibility for their future as proof of the region’s strong foundations.

In 1924, Atatürk designated April 23 as a national holiday, a decision that was further improved in 1929 when he dedicated the day to children, making it Children’s Day. This gesture symbolizes the country’s commitment to nurture and sustain the nation’s future. Since 1979, Children’s Day has taken on an international dimension, with foreign children joining Turkish children in celebrating this special day.