National Holidays in Turkey
There are many days that Turkish citizens celebrate during the year that have a special meaning. In this article, we will talk about national holidays in Turkey
Official national holidays in Turkey:
Republic Day October 28-29:
It is the most important national holiday in Turkey. It celebrates the anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923 AD. Commemorative events for Republic Day usually start at 1:00 pm on October 28 and end at the end of October 29.
On this day, the Turkish people commemorate the events of October 29, 1923 AD, when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk announced that Turkey had become a republic.
It is worth noting that Turkey has been a republic since April 23, 1920.. the date of the establishment of the Grand National Assembly in Turkey. However, the official announcement was on October 29, 1923 AD. As a result, Ataturk was elected as the first president of the Turkish Republic.
Victory Day in Turkey August 30:
Dedicated to the armed forces.. Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı) is to commemorate Atatürk and celebrate the victory over the Greeks at one of the final.. most decisive battles in Dumlupınar in 1922 which led to the end of the Turkish War of Independence. Turkish people accept 30th August as the date of the Turkish troops’ overall victory.
Victory Day was made a national holiday in 1935. Many Turkish people spend the day attending military parades, which take place in big cities throughout the country. Air forces celebrate the day with demonstration flights and shopkeepers and residents display Turkish flags and pictures of Atatürk.
The main celebration is held at Anıtkabir in Ankara. The President of Turkey leads officials in laying wreaths and then delivers a speech. They hold also a ceremony at the War Academy in Istanbul with all military promotions made on this day.
Youth and Sports Day May 19:
‘Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth & Sports Day’ (Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve spor Bayramı) celebrates the arrival of Atatürk in Samsun in 1919.. and the beginning of the War of Independence which resulted in a victory for Turkey and the foundation of the Turkish Republic.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk later became Turkey’s first president. Moreover, Ataturk himself proclaimed May 19th as “Youth & Sports Day” to recognize the importance of the youth of Turkey, and celebrate their achievements.
On this day, young Turkish athletes carrying the national flag from Samsun.. a Black Sea port from where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk started Turkey’s War of Independence in 1919, to Ankara, the country’s capital.
Furthermore, various sports events take place on May 19 throughout Turkey. Additionally, many people celebrate this day by watching athletes performing at their local stadiums.. or by participating in sports events that are open to the public.
National Sovereignty and Children’s Day April 23:
This celebration is to commemorate the first gathering of the Grand National Assembly (the Turkish Parliament).. which took place on April 23rd, 1920 during Turkey’s War of Independence (1919-1923).. which freed all of Anatolia from foreign rule. Atatürk reportedly dedicated the Turkish Republic to the children and a children’s week was held starting on April 23rd, from 1923-1934. The Turkish government then combined the two events into National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in 1935.
On this day Turkish school children take seats in Parliament and symbolically govern the country for one day.
Moreover, in many towns, they allow children free admission to places. Furthermore, you may see children holding hands to symbolize unity and Turkish Flags on display.
Labor and Solidarity Day May 1:
Many countries of the world celebrate this day, including Turkey.. It is an official holiday and this day expresses solidarity and appreciation for workers around the world.
Moreover, They symbolize to Labor and Solidarity Day in Turkey by worker’s hands holding the globe or images of people from around the world holding hands.
Celebrating foiled coup attempt July 15 (Democracy and National Unity Day):
On July 15th 2016, two hundred and fifty-nine people, mostly civilians, were killed.. and over 2,500 were wounded after a rogue military faction tried to overthrow President Erdogan.
The military troops loyal to the government thwarted the attempt.
This day is to honor those who lost their lives while defeating the failed coup of 2016.
Thus, in this article, we talked about some of the national holidays in Turkey.
Edited by: Ebla Group Real Estate
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Related article: Official Public Holidays in Turkey
