[Umit]

April 23 Children's Day is being celebrated across the country.




April 23 is the "National Sovereignty and Children's Day" in Turkey.

The date commemorates the opening of Turkish National Assembly in 1920 during the Turkish Independence War. The designation of Children's Day came in 1929 upon the recommendation of the Institution of Children's Protection. Since 1986 the Turkish government organizes an international children's festival on April 23.



On April 23 of every year, children in Turkey celebrate this "Sovereignty and Children's Day" as a national holiday, and is celebrated by citizens throughout the country during ceremonies preceding the day.



Among the activities on this day, children from all around Turkey gather in the capital city, Ankara, and they replace the selected members of the Grand National Assembly. They have an elected president and prime minister and they govern Turkey for one day in order to emphasize the importance of the children in the society. In many places governmental agencies leave the authority to children symbolically for the day.



Traditionally since 1986, children come to Turkey to represent their country of origin to children of the world with artistic performances. They're housed in Turkish homes and can meet with Turkish children. This event is organized by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation. The groups of foreign children also participate in the special session held at the Grand National Assembly.

Turkish people hope these children will remember the day for their lives and will contribute to a bond with other cultures. The internationalization is thus aimed toward Turkey's principle of, "peace at home, peace in the world", and "Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the people".


Google is also celebrating with us with a special logo in google.com.tr



A total of 2,500 students from 60 countries all around the world arrived in the Mediterranean city of Antalya, Manavgat province to mark April 23 Children’s Day

[**claire**]

I think Childrens day is such a lovely celebration.

It's nice to see all the children celebrating & enjoying themselves.

Thanks for sharing all the pictures with us Umit!

[saz]

its lovelly that turkey has such a nice festival to celebrate HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY !

[joy]

What a lovely festival, and a lovely idea we dont have a national children day i think we should.
Thanks for sharing pics Umit.

[Anniebubble]

Big celebrations going on at Stadium(Ladies Beach) today would love to go but to much going on organizing birthday party maybe next year will go along and enjoy.
Great pics Umit.

Ann

[dellol]

Hi Umit, thanks for sharing with us. Happy Childrens day to all in Turkey, and around the world.

[pajoe]

A very happy Childrens day to all the turkish children.

[four seasons]

what a lovely idea.hope all children have a lovely day.....everyday.mind you there are children i know who think its childrens day everyday.ah the innocence of it all

[LKA]

Ive always enjoyed this day wherever Ive been in Turkey. Thanks for the wonderful pics Umit and for the information about this special day

[Umit]

blogged: http://www.kusadasi.biz/info/blogs/children-day.html