UETD Youth Branches are organising a big event for the sake of 23rd of April, the Turkish holiday for children and the anniversary of national freedom.
UETD UK announced a press release saying “Each year 23rd of April is being celebrated with an ultimate joy – let’s be a part of the joy this year too!”. At the event, UETD also will be providing special options for children like clown performances, face painting, racing games and many more interactive plays. UETD is hoping to see everyone who celebrates the day at Goldsmiths Square, Shoreditch E2 8QY at 1 PM on the 23rd.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DAY
On April 23, 1920 the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) was inaugurated in Ankara. It was the first step toward the creation of the Republic of Turkey, the roots of which were laid during the Turkish National War of Liberation led by Mustafa Kemal- later to be given the name Atatürk (father of Turks).
The Turkish national liberation struggle began on May 19, 1919 and culminated in the liberation of Anatolia from foreign occupation, the international recognition of modern Turkey’s borders by the Treaty of Lausanne, and the founding of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923. When the TGNA held its first session in 1920, virtually every corner of the Ottoman Empire was under the occupation of the Allied powers. Exasperated by the Ottoman government’s inability to fight the occupation, patriotic movements began springing up all around Anatolia.
On April 23, 1929, upon Atatürk’s proposal, the Turkish Grand National Assembly decreed April 23 as a national holiday dedicated to children. Thus Turkey became the first country in the world that celebrates an official Children’s Day. Today this national holiday is celebrated in Turkey with children from all over the world in a spirit of peace and harmony.
