Day of Remembrance of Ataturk, Youth and Sports (tour. Atatürk'ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı) in Turkey, which is celebrated annually on May 19, is a national holiday. Unlike some other secular patriotic events, this national celebration is celebrated on a grand scale.
Interestingly, the significant date was initially in no way connected with either youth or sports. On May 19, 1919, the first President of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, announced a mobilization against foreign intervention in the Black Sea port of Samsun. At that time, Türkiye was at war with Greece. The basis of the national independence movement was young people. Thus, the future of the emerging republic was placed in the hands of young people, whom Ataturk intended to make the most important element of the new state.
The holiday was first celebrated on May 24, 1935 as Ataturk Day«. In honor of the holiday, a sports day was organized in Istanbul. And at the sports congress, which took place a few months later, it was decided to rename «Ataturk Day» into the holiday «Holiday of Youth and Sports», which was then legally approved and has since been celebrated annually on May 19. After the coup d'etat on September 12, 1980, the holiday received a new official name «Day of Remembrance of Ataturk, Youth and Sports».
On the eve of the holiday, streets and houses are decorated with flags and portraits of Kemal Ataturk. In large cities, gardeners create flower beds where you can see symbolic flower paintings. Youth Parks are preparing to welcome many visitors.
In Istanbul, the holiday begins with official ceremonies, including the mandatory laying of wreaths at the Monument of the Republic, a colorful parade and a number of sports competitions. In the evening, a concert is held in Taksim Square and in the central park, where Turkish pop stars and invited foreign performers perform. In the city of Samsun, a traditional air show attracts many spectators.
Many educational institutions prepare their own festive program, which includes amateur performances, relay races, culinary and design competitions, and also hold conferences and seminars dedicated to current issues and problems among young people.
In recent years, the Government of the Republic of Turkey has positioned this Day as an international holiday and invites students from other countries to participate in the celebrations.
Since all institutions and enterprises declare a day off, all workers are given the opportunity to visit their relatives in other cities, which everyone does with great pleasure. This is how the political holiday turns into the day of family and friends.