Turkey celebrates Youth and Commemoration of Atatürk Day

The day was celebrated across the country at official ceremonies where students marched, performed folkloric dances and took part in sporting activities. 

A half-marathon took was organized in the Black Sea province of Samsun, where the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, set foot on May 19, 1919 – a date that is regarded and commemorated as the beginning of the Turkish Independence War. 

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy Mustafa Balbay took place in the half-marathon. A paragliding show, meanwhile, was staged in the western province of Fethiye, which is a world-famous for paragliding. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a statement for the occasion, stating that the republic, “which was founded with great struggle and sacrifice, was entrusted to the Turkish youth.” 

“You should be ready to work with devotion to carry our country to a brighter tomorrow. You have a say in our country’s future. We love you and we trust you,” read Erdoğan’s statement, addressed to the youth of Turkey.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu also issued a statement, saying he saw a bright future for Turkey when he looked at the faces of the youth.

“As the government, our foremost priority is to provide an opportunity for our youth, who are the assurance of our future, to prepare for the future in the best way to assure a democratic and prosperous country,” Davutoğlu’s statement read.