On Friday 19th of May we will celebrate Youth and Sports Day in Turkey or Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı which was originally started by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
The 19th May 1919 also commemorates the day that the Turkish War of Independence started. It is also the day that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed at Samsun and began his fight for independence of Turkey. He would later become Turkey’s first independent President.
After the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk it was decided that the 19th of May would also be the day to commemorate Atatürk. This combined to become Commemorating Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı).
One of the main traditions is that young Turkish athletes run with the Turkish flag. From the Black Sea Port at Samsun where the War of Independence began, all the way to the Capital in Ankara. To finish the flag is handed over to the current President on the 19th of May.
There is a minutes silence in memory of Atatürk. Wreaths and flowers are laid at monuments of Atatürk throughout Turkey with special being paid to the mausoleum where he is buried.
Many sporting events take place and local stadiums are usually filled with well wishers.
As this is a national holiday banks and official offices will be closed for the day.
It’s a great day for families and children and you can get involved by going along to your local stadium and enjoying the day’s activities. Keep an eye out for news of events around Dalyan.
The 19th May 1919 also commemorates the day that the Turkish War of Independence started. It is also the day that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed at Samsun and began his fight for independence of Turkey. He would later become Turkey’s first independent President.
After the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk it was decided that the 19th of May would also be the day to commemorate Atatürk. This combined to become Commemorating Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı).
One of the main traditions is that young Turkish athletes run with the Turkish flag. From the Black Sea Port at Samsun where the War of Independence began, all the way to the Capital in Ankara. To finish the flag is handed over to the current President on the 19th of May.
There is a minutes silence in memory of Atatürk. Wreaths and flowers are laid at monuments of Atatürk throughout Turkey with special being paid to the mausoleum where he is buried.
Many sporting events take place and local stadiums are usually filled with well wishers.
As this is a national holiday banks and official offices will be closed for the day.
It’s a great day for families and children and you can get involved by going along to your local stadium and enjoying the day’s activities. Keep an eye out for news of events around Dalyan.