National Sovereignty and Children's Day

National Sovereignty and Children's Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) is a public holiday in Turkey celebrated on April 23 each year. It commemorates the establishment of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in 1920 and is uniquely dedicated to children. It is one of the oldest children's days in the world and a cornerstone of Turkish national identity.

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi, or TBMM) was opened on April 23, 1920, during the Turkish War of Independence. Founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the assembly represented the will of the Turkish people to govern themselves. In 1929, Atatürk dedicated the day to children, making Turkey one of the first countries in the world to establish an official children's day. The TBMM was established while the Ottoman Empire still formally existed, marking a bold step toward national sovereignty and the path to the Republic proclaimed in 1923.

The most distinctive tradition is children symbolically taking over government positions: they serve as governors, mayors, and even parliamentarians for the day, sitting in the speaker's chair of the Grand National Assembly. The TRT International April 23 Children's Festival, held since 1979, brings children from approximately 40 countries to Turkey to celebrate together. Schools organize performances, parades, concerts, and various children's activities across the country. Public buildings and streets are decorated with flags and banners.