Celebrating Children's Day in Türkiye

April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day is the first and only holiday in the world dedicated to children, celebrated annually in Türkiye with great enthusiasm.

On April 23, 1920, with the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, national sovereignty was officially declared, and this meaningful day was dedicated to children by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye. In this sense, April 23 is both a symbol of national sovereignty and a powerful demonstration of the value placed on children.

The purpose of this special day is to contribute to children’s growth in an environment of peace, brotherhood, and solidarity, and to draw attention to their rights, happiness, and development. It also aims to create a space where children can freely express themselves, develop their imagination, and actively participate in social life. April 23 is not just a holiday for children in Türkiye; it is a universal celebration where children from different countries around the world come together and share their cultures.

Numerous events are organised across Türkiye to mark the occasion. Schools hold ceremonies, recite poems, and present folk dances and performances. Children symbolically take on government roles, experiencing a symbolic participation in governance. In cities, festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and children’s fairs are organized; at international events, children from different countries introduce their cultures, conveying messages of friendship and peace.

April 23 is a special day that finds its meaning in the joy of children; it inspires us to look to the future with hope and reinforces universal values. It also serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect children’s rights and ensure that all children can live in a better world.

Eurochild member, Hayat Sende Association, is an NGO dedicated to supporting children and young people under state care/protection. As part of the April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day celebrations, an exhibition will be organised in April, following three months of workshops carried out with children under protection.

In this process, children will take full ownership of the exhibition -from inviting participants to presenting their work- creating a space where they can express themselves and act on their own behalf. This experience aims to strengthen their confidence, visibility, and active participation.

Beyond April 23rd, Hayat Sende continues to organize workshops throughout the year to encourage children under protection to actively engage in decision-making processes. Through its mentoring programs, the organization supports children in developing the skills and confidence needed to advocate for themselves and shape their own futures.