Learn all about National Sovereignty and Children's Day
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Turkey Series at TurkishClass101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Turkish holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 3 - National Sovereignty and Children's Day. In Turkish, it’s called Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı. |
| April 23 is a national festival day established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as a gift to the children of Turkey. it's the opening date of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, and an official holiday in Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. |
| In this lesson you will learn the history of National Sovereignty and Children's Day, how it became an international event, and about the many activities that mark this day. |
| Now, before we go into more detail, we’ve got a question for you- |
| In 1979, this day was turned into an international festival by TRT, the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation, because of a certain global development. What was this important global development? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| National Sovereignty and Children's Day was dedicated to orphans after the First World War. The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation, or in Turkish Türkiye Radyo ve Televizyon Kurumu, in 1979 organized the first TRT International Children's Festival, or TRT Uluslararası Çocuk Şenliği. Children from all over the world were invited to Turkey as part of the festival program and hosted by volunteer families during the activities, which was why the festival became internationally recognized. Nowadays, children still come from all over the world to participate in a contest where they present their national dance and local dresses. TRT usually broadcasts these performances live. |
| One of the most interesting activities of this holiday, until 2013, when the government unfortunately revoked it, was to put children on duty for different positions in government. This tradition started with Ataturk accepting a group of children and talking with them in 1933. Selected children used to take different governmental seats from the prefecture to the presidency, and make a speech about their aims for the country, thus reinforcing political consciousness, in Turkish politik bilinçlilik, and responsibilities, or sorumluluk, among young people. |
| This day starts with a visit to Atatürk’s mausoleum, or Anıtkabir and an official celebration by notable members of government. Some activities take place in primary schools about the goodwill of children and peace in the world. Students present their performances in stadiums and celebrations continue with an official parade, or resmi geçit töreni. In the evenings, other events including wrestling, kids' games, and other contests take place in the designated celebration areas, and presents are given to children. April 23 is an official holiday. April 24 is also an official holiday for elementary school students. |
| Since 1979, the TRT International Children's Festival has hosted approximately 20,000 children between the ages of 8 and 12 from ninety different countries, with the help of volunteer families. These children participated in the contest with their local songs and dances. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| In 1979, this day was turned into an international festival by TRT, the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation, because of a certain global development. What was this important global development? |
| UNESCO declared 1979 the International Year of the Child. Upon this declaration, the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation organized the first April 23 Children's Festival. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| Is there a Children’s Day celebrated in your country? |
| Leave us a comment letting us know at TurkishClass101.com. And we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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