The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is celebrating the 19th of May Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day alongside Türkiye.
The day commemorates the 104th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landing in Samsun on May 19, 1919, which is regarded as the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence.
The founder of modern-day Turkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk then dedicated the day to the country’s youth to whom he entrusted the future of the Turkish nation.
According to the information given by the National Days Celebration Central Committee, the May 19 ceremonies will begin on Friday with an address on Bayrak Radio Television by the Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu highlighting the importance and meaning of the day.
The first ceremony is to be held in the capital Lefkoşa at 9am in front of the Ataturk Monument.
During the ceremony, the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu will hand over soil brought from Anıtkabir, Turkiye to President Ersin Tatar.
A minutes silence will be observed, and flags will be hoisted to the reciting of the national anthem.
President Tatar is expected to deliver a speech.
Wreaths will be laid at all Ataturk Monuments throughout the TRNC.
Meanwhile at 6pm, students and teachers from state schools in Lefkoşa, universities, federations affiliated to the Sports Department, clubs and associations, non-governmental organizations and the public will take part in the “104. Year Cortege”.
The walk will take place from in front of the Atatürk Monument at the Girne Gate in Lefkoşa to the Dereboyu Avenue.
After the cortege arrives at the Avenue area the Security Forces Marching Band and local talent Ahmet Evan will give a concert.