“Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day” was marked on Sunday in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) alongside Türkiye.
It commemorates the Turkish nation’s founding leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s landing in the northern city of Samsun on May 19, 1919, which marked the start of the Turkish War of Independence.
Atatürk dedicated this day to the Turkish youth. Initially known as “Youth and Sports Day,” it was renamed to “Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day” in 1981.
A series of ceremonies, corteges and other festive events were held throughout the country to mark the day.
In a televised speech on Sunday, the Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu highlighted the significance of this date, noting that it was the day when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk sowed the seeds of freedom, hope, and confidence in Anatolia.
He emphasized that under Atatürk’s leadership, the Turkish nation’s determined struggle culminated in victory, laying the foundations of the Republic of Türkiye.
“Therefore, May 19th is a critical turning point that changed the course of history, liberated the Turkish nation, and led to the establishment of the Republic,” stated Minister Çavuşoğlu. “On this 105th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal’s arrival in Samsun and the ignition of the liberation war, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all our citizens and youth on May 19th, Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day.”
Minister Çavuşoğlu further elaborated on Atatürk’s vision for the Turkish youth, whom he entrusted with this significant day, reflecting his immense confidence in their potential.
He urged the youth, who are seen as the guarantors of the future, to continue following Atatürk’s path, uphold his values, and work tirelessly for the development, prosperity, and peace of the country in every field.
Meanwhile as part of the events to commemorate the 105th anniversary of May 19th Atatürk Memorial, Youth, and Sports Day, the Ministry of National Education organized a grand parade in the capital Lefkoşa.
Among those attending the parade were President Ersin Tatar, the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu, the Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus Major General Sebahattin Kılınç, the Commander of the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces Major General Osman Aytaç, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, the Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, representatives from universities, military personnel, citizens, and other officials.
Following the parade, a ceremony took place where President Tatar voiced his belief in the youth’s role in the nation’s future, while the Turkish Ambassador Feyzioğlu emphasized the unbreakable bond between Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
He stated that the two nations would continue to progress together, “as two states with one heart, taking steadfast steps towards eternity.”
Similar ceremonies were held in all major cities and towns across the TRNC.
