Türkiye is celebrating the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day observed every year on May 19 which is regarded as the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence in the official history, Turanews.kz reports.
On May 19, 1919, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, addressed the youth in the city of Samsun, announcing mobilization to fight the interventionists who had seized part of the country’s territory. This appeal marked the beginning of the national liberation war, which marked the creation of the Turkish Republic.
In 1938, Ataturk dedicated May 19 to the youth of the Turkish nation as Youth and Sports Day – a national holiday that sees young people take part in sporting and cultural activities with official ceremonies across the country.
The Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day is an official holiday in Türkiye. All administration buildings, post offices, schools, and most businesses are closed on this day. Public transport routes may vary in the event of marathons and similar events.
Young people celebrate the day by visiting Anitkabir, Ataturk’s mausoleum, and also by organizing sports and cultural activities.
