Happy Children's Day!

Happy Children's Day from Koc University! 

April 23 

Turkey National Sovereignty and Children's Day

"This festival was started in 1920 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, who recognized how important children were to his country's future and dedicated this day to them. On this national public holiday, Atatürk is honored with special services in Ankara, Turkey's capital city, at the monument built for him. Afterwards a children's program takes place in which children from around the world wear festive traditional costumes and dance and sing. In Istanbul, a similar celebration is held in the national soccer stadium."

"In Turkey, Children’s Day has been celebrated on April 23 since 1929. It originated from the first gathering of Grand National Assembly on April 23, 1920, during the Turkish Independence War. After the Ottomans were defeated during World War I, Turkish land had been occupied by some countries. Ataturk, an Ottoman commander, broke his ties with the dying Empire and started the war for independence. After years of fighting Turkey won full independence. Turks consider Ataturk to be “The Father of Modern Turkey”. After the war, Ataturk refused the role of Sultan or King and established a modern Republic instead. He gifted April 23 to the children for the country, so that they would cherish the independence that cost so much, but at the same time walk the path of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World." Every year on April 23, the seats of Parliament are held by children, and a child becomes President for a day. The child President delivers a speech on national television."