On this date in 1920, during the War of Independence, the
Turkish Grand National Assembly was established in
Ankara by Mustafa Kemal and laid down the foundations of a new independent state from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire.
National Sovereignty and Children's Day (April 23)
The founder of the
Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, dedicated April 23 to the children of the country to emphasize that they are the future of the new nation. This is the world?s first and only
holiday for children.
The children are our future. (K. Atatürk)
Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day (May 19)
On this date in 1919, Mustafa Kemal arrived in Anatolia at the
Black Sea Port of
Samsun. This marked the beginning of the War of Independence. The week including this
holiday has been celebrated as 'Youth Week' in
Turkey since 1983.
Victory Day (August 30)
This national
holiday celebrates the Victory of the
Turkish Army over the Greeks in 1922. On this day in 1922, the fifth day of the big attack against the invading Greek armies, the
Turkish Army under the command of
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk defeated the Greek forces at Dumlupinar (in Kutahya Province). This final victory determined the result of the War of Independence . Within a few weeks, the
Turkish mainland was completely liberated, the armistice signed and the rule of the Ottoman dynasty abolished.
Republic Day (October 29)
This is the anniversary of the declaration of the
Turkish Republic by the
Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1923.
On this date in 1920, during the War of Independence, the Turkish Grand National Assembly was established in Ankara by Mustafa Kemal and laid down the foundations of a new independent state from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire.
