April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day

23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day is a national holiday based on the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye on 23 April 1920, one of the pivotal moments in Türkiye’s political history. This date holds significance both as the proclamation of national sovereignty and as the reconfiguration of representative governance. Recognized as a “National Holiday” in 1921, 23 April gradually gained public resonance not only as a political symbol but also as an expression of societal sensitivity toward children. In 1927, under the initiative of the Society for the Protection of Children, it was first celebrated as “Children’s Day,” reflecting Türkiye’s evolving social understanding of responsibility toward children.

Since 1978, the 23 April holiday has been celebrated as the “International Children’s Festival” with the participation of children from other countries. Later, the holiday was officially named “National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.” In 1981, the phrase “national sovereignty” was temporarily removed for two years, and the day was observed solely as “Children’s Day.” Since 1983, the holiday has been officially designated as “National Sovereignty and Children’s Day” in its current form.

National Sovereignty Day

The opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) in Ankara on 23 April 1920 marked the establishment of a new political representative mechanism during a period when the Ottoman Chamber of Deputies had effectively ceased to function. However, this assembly was not convened as a direct result of a new constitutional order but rather to address the representation vacuum created by the closure of the final Ottoman Chamber of Deputies in Istanbul. In this context, the initial members of the TBMM were drawn from both deputies who had served in the dissolved Chamber of Deputies and representatives appointed by local congresses in Anatolia.

Although the new assembly initially appeared to be a continuation of the previous system, it gradually acquired a distinct institutional character and spearheaded the institutionalization of the principle of sovereignty based on popular will. Shortly after its opening, the TBMM consolidated both legislative and executive powers within itself, and the legal anchoring of these powers through the 1921 Constitution became one of the key features distinguishing it from the representative structures of the Ottoman era.

One year after 23 April, on 23 April 1921, a single-article law declared this date a “National Holiday.” This regulation holds the distinction of being the first officially recognized holiday of the Republic of Türkiye. The law text simply states “The 23rd of April is a National Holiday,” without assigning any specific name. Nevertheless, contemporary press and public sources referred to it using expressions such as “Hâkimiyet-i Milliye Holiday,” “Assembly Holiday,” and “Independence Day.”

After its proclamation as a national holiday, annual commemorations became increasingly institutionalized and comprehensive. These celebrations served to emphasize the foundational principles of the new state—popular sovereignty, legitimacy, and national unity—while ceremonies involving both the assembly and the public, particularly from 1923 onward, reinforced the political symbolism of the holiday.

The Process of 23 April Becoming Children’s Day

The celebration of 23 April as a holiday dedicated to children emerged within the activities of the Society for the Protection of Children. Over time, this date became a symbol of public sensitivity toward children, shaped by the principle of national sovereignty. In this process, the organizational structure of the Society for the Protection of Children, the symbolic use of the date, and state support were decisive factors.

Establishment of the Society for the Protection of Children

The issue of children became a social priority in the final years of the Ottoman Empire, and events under the name “Children’s Day” were held in Istanbul during the Second Constitutional Era in 1916. The first Society for the Protection of Children, established in Istanbul in 1917 under the presidency of İsmail Canbulat, provided support to children affected by war. However, during the Republican period, the newly established Society for the Protection of Children, founded in Ankara on 30 June 1921, became the foundational institution for social policies directed toward children.

With the support of Mustafa Kemal Paşa, the society was restructured and placed under the leadership of Mehmet Fuat (Umay), a member of parliament from Kırklareli and a physician. Fuat Umay worked to expand protection efforts for war victims, orphans, and abandoned children, organizing fundraising campaigns both domestically and internationally to secure income for the society. In 1923, he traveled to the USA, held fundraising meetings in 33 cities, and strengthened the society’s infrastructure.

1921–1926: From Relief Activities to Public Awareness

On 23 April 1921, the anniversary of the opening of the Grand National Assembly was declared a “National Holiday,” and the first comprehensive celebrations took place in Ankara in 1922. During these early years, the holiday was primarily centered around parliamentary and military parades, with children participating as students. The Society for the Protection of Children used this date to draw public attention to children’s issues and, from 1923 onward, designated it as a day for fundraising.

In particular, Latife Hanım’s participation as honorary representative of the society during the 1924 celebrations, and her prominent role in the ceremonies, enhanced the institutional legitimacy of the society. During these years, badges and donation stamps were sold for children on 23 April, and the events began to be referred to as “Society for the Protection of Children Day” or “Children’s Day.”

1927: First Comprehensive “Children’s Day” Celebration

23 April 1929 Edition of Cumhuriyet Newspaper (Gaste Archive)

On 23 April 1927, for the first time, the Society for the Protection of Children organized comprehensive celebrations under the name “Children’s Day.” The events were held under the patronage of President Mustafa Kemal Paşa, led by TBMM Speaker Kazım (Özalp) Paşa and Society President Dr. Fuat Umay. Activities included ceremonies for children, badge distributions, fundraising campaigns, and various performances. From this date onward, the concept of “23 April Children’s Day” became firmly established in the press and public consciousness, increasing the social visibility of children’s issues. In particular, the Society for the Protection of Children used this day not merely for entertainment but to draw attention to health, education, and social solidarity.

1929: Children’s Week and Mass Participation

In 1929, at the suggestion of the Society for the Protection of Children, the 23 April celebrations were extended to a full week and named “Children’s Week.” That year, the Ministry of National Education officially declared schools closed and organized student participation in the festivities. Turkish Hearths also played an active role in these celebrations. Thus, the holiday transformed from an event limited to Ankara or Istanbul into a nationwide institutional and public participation event.

Laws of 1935 and 1981: Legislative Developments

The 1935 “Law on National Holidays and General Holidays” lists 23 April solely as “National Sovereignty Day,” with no direct reference to children. However, in practice, through the efforts of the Society for the Protection of Children and the press, the day continued to be widely referred to as “Children’s Day” for many years.

Until 1981, the terms “National Sovereignty Day” and “Children’s Day” were used separately. After the 12 September 1980 military coup, Law No. 2429 issued by the National Security Council merged these two designations, and for the first time, 23 April was legally defined as “National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.”

Atatürk and 23 April Children’s Day

Although there is a widespread belief that Atatürk presented the 23 April holiday, celebrated as a National Holiday since 1921, as a gift to children, no sources establish a direct connection between Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the date itself. There is no concrete or documented evidence of Atatürk’s direct participation in 23 April celebrations. However, his patronage and support were crucial in shaping the meaning of the date, particularly during its first celebration as “Children’s Day” in 1927.

The first comprehensive Children’s Day celebrations in 1927, proposed by the Society for the Protection of Children, were held under the patronage of President Mustafa Kemal Paşa, led by TBMM Speaker Kazım Özalp and Society President Dr. Mehmet Fuat Umay. Although there is no testimony or newspaper record confirming Atatürk’s direct attendance at these ceremonies, his documented support for the Society for the Protection of Children is undeniable. The public standing of the society was significantly strengthened by the President’s open endorsement.

Latife Hanım’s participation as representative of the Society for the Protection of Children during the 1924 celebrations is another indication of this support. It is also evident that Fuat Umay’s domestic and international fundraising campaigns were conducted with Atatürk’s knowledge and approval.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk at 23 April Children’s Day Events (AA)

23 April Children’s Day Events

Official Ceremonies and Commemorative Events: On the morning of 23 April, official ceremonies are held throughout Türkiye, beginning with the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM). These ceremonies honor Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms and emphasize the importance of national sovereignty. Activities include visits to Anıtkabir, wreath-laying, and moments of silence.

School Events: In schools, students recite poems, sing songs, and perform dances. Classrooms and schoolyards are decorated with flags and balloons. Students deliver presentations on Atatürk’s emphasis on children.

Artistic and Cultural Events: Municipalities and cultural centers organize theater performances, concerts, folk dances, and illusion shows for children. Additionally, artistic activities such as painting, ceramics, stone painting, and recycling workshops are conducted.

Sports Events: Various sports tournaments, athletics competitions, and games are organized for children. These activities contribute to their physical development and foster teamwork.

Children Assuming Representative Roles: Traditionally, children symbolically occupy the positions of state officials. Children serve as representatives of the President, governor, and mayor, among others. This experience enhances their self-confidence.

A Scene from 23 April Events (Anadolu Agency)

Internationalization of 23 April Children’s Day

The dedication of 23 April to children was first proposed in Türkiye in 1927 by the Society for the Protection of Children. Initially, these celebrations were confined within Türkiye’s borders and aimed at raising awareness about children’s issues. In the last quarter of the 20th century, they acquired an international dimension.

In 1979, as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed “International Year of the Child,” the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) decided to transform 23 April into an international event. The first International 23 April Children’s Festival, organized by TRT that year, took place in Ankara with participation from five countries. This festival continued annually, grew with increasing international participation, and evolved into a traditional event.

The primary objective of the event is to bring together children from different cultures, foster friendships, and promote cultural exchange among children worldwide.

The 46th TRT International 23 April Children’s Festival in 2024 involved 500 children from 29 countries. Participants visited Anıtkabir, joined a procession at Ankara’s Millet Bahçesi, and performed various dance shows. The festival concluded with a gala program held at the Presidential Complex. The theme of the 2024 festival was “Children of the World, Hand in Hand for Peace.”

In 2025, the 47th festival welcomed 600 children from 30 countries to Ankara. The children were hosted in various Turkish cities, performed shows, and participated in the final gala. The theme of the 2025 festival was announced as “Life is beautiful when children smile.”