Celebrations have begun to mark the 23rd of April National Sovereignty and Children’s day.
The Great Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk dedicated the day to all the world’s children, the keepers and creators of the future and which commemorates the foundation of the Turkish Grand National Assembly which is celebrating the 103rd anniversary of its establishment this year.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of National Education, events will be held from April 18-23.
The events kick started this morning with a cortege.
Students and teachers from Lefkoşa together with the Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu laid wreaths at the Atatürk Bust before walking to the presidential palace.
Greeting the children, President Ersin Tatar said that the Turkish Cypriot people lived in peace and freedom as a result of the struggle waged in the past.
“We attach great importance to you because you are the future of this country,” Tatar said.
The cortege then proceeded to the parliament building where they were greeted by the Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre.
Töre and the Minister of National Education delivered speeches there highlighting the significance of the day.
On Tuesday, the “2nd Atatürk’s Children’s Drawing Exhibition” organized by the Ministry of National Education will be inaugurated.
The exhibition is taking place at the Merkez Lefkoşa Event and Culture Hall at 6pm.
Meanwhile students chosen by their schools in Lefkoşa will visit state and government officials.
Various sporting events will also be held within the framework of the celebrations.
The first Champion Angels Volleyball Cup will be held.
On Wednesday a total of 50 students matching the number of deputies in parliament will be visiting the Republic’s Assembly.
In line with the 23rd of April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day and 2nd of April Autism Awareness Day, an event is being organized for children with special needs under the auspices of the President’s Office titled “Hand in Hand on the 23rd of April Special Holiday Event”
On Sunday, April 23, the celebrations will begin with the opening speech of the Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu at 8am on Bayrak Radio Television.
A state ceremony will be held at the Lefkoşa Atatürk Monument at 9 where wreaths will be laid.
Also the newly completed Yonpaş Metin Derinel High School in the Gazimağusa region will be inaugurated with a ceremony on the 23rd of April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
Ceremonies will also be held in all districts throughout the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.