April 23rd, Turkey's Nationally-Established "Children's Day" Forefronts the World
Turkey celebrates April 23rd as National Sovereignty and Children's Day, established in 1920. The day features unique traditions like children serving as "One-Day Child Leaders" and upcoming festivals in 2026, including the Children's Art Festival in Istanbul and the International Children's Festival in Antalya.
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- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 20:30
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Ankara, Ulus Square, Atatürk Statue
In Turkey, April 23rd is widely celebrated as "National Sovereignty and Children's Day" (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı). On this day in 1920, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was established, marking the beginning of governance by the will of the people (i.e., national sovereignty). Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the nation, gifted this significant day to "the children who will carry the future," making it the world's first holiday where children are placed at the center of the nation.
This year, we celebrate this special day by introducing unique events for children rooted in modern Turkey and the latest event information scheduled for 2026.
The Tradition of "One-Day Child Leaders" Where Children Assume All Societal Roles
On this day in Turkey, children temporarily take the seats of "societal leaders." Not only public offices such as the President, Prime Minister, Ministers of various departments, and Governors, but also key media positions like TV news anchors and editors are filled by children, with programming broadcast throughout the day from a child's perspective. Children inaugurated as "Ministers for a Day" deliver speeches with confidence on education, the environment, and world peace, conveying messages for the future to adults. This is a highly unique traditional event unseen in other countries and is cherished as a symbolic event that fosters a sense of participation in society.
A Holiday Spent with Family and History Adorning the Streets
On the holiday, April 23rd, the entire country of Turkey is enveloped in a festive mood. Families give special gifts to their children and enjoy family time, ensuring children spend the day smiling. Public facilities, of course, and many homes are decorated with Turkish flags and portraits of Atatürk, expressing respect for the history of winning national sovereignty and the voluntary will of each citizen to pass it on to the children.
While festival events enjoyable for families are held across the country, we introduce two particularly noteworthy events.
AKM (Atatürk Cultural Center) 4th Children's Art Festival
At the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) in Istanbul, the "Children's Art Festival" will be held from Thursday, April 23, 2026, to Monday, April 27, 2026. This event marks its fourth year and offers a diverse range of programs including theater, workshops, and special performances.
Beyond the joy of "watching," children can also experience the pleasure of "creating," making it a major attraction of this festival as they can participate proactively as artists.
11th International Children's Festival (XI. International Children's Festival)
This festival will be held from Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to Monday, April 27, 2026, in Alanya and Manavgat, Antalya, a beautiful resort city renowned as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean." Young talents from all over the world gather for this festival, showcasing performances in a wide variety of categories such as folk dance, contemporary dance, music, rhythmic gymnastics, baton twirling, and dance theater. Participants will enjoy stays at 5-star hotels, experiencing Turkey's unique culture and hospitality while deepening cross-border exchanges.
About Turkey
Turkey is a vital hub connecting Asia and Europe, fostering cultural exchange and diversity for centuries. It offers a multifaceted destination with rich history, archaeological sites, natural beauty, and exquisite cuisine, reflecting various civilizations. The country captivates global visitors with its dynamic shopping and entertainment scene, alongside arts and fashion that blend tradition and modernity. It welcomed a record-breaking approximately 64 million international tourists in 2025, following its Republic's centennial in 2023 and 100 years of diplomatic ties with Japan in 2024.
For more details about Turkey, please visit the official website (https://goturkiye.jp/) or follow the SNS below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoTurkiye.jp
X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/GoTurkiye_jp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goturkiye_jp/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/tourism
In Turkey, April 23rd is widely celebrated as "National Sovereignty and Children's Day" (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı). On this day in 1920, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was established, marking the beginning of governance by the will of the people (i.e., national sovereignty). Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the nation, gifted this significant day to "the children who will carry the future," making it the world's first holiday where children are placed at the center of the nation.
This year, we celebrate this special day by introducing unique events for children rooted in modern Turkey and the latest event information scheduled for 2026.
The Tradition of "One-Day Child Leaders" Where Children Assume All Societal Roles
On this day in Turkey, children temporarily take the seats of "societal leaders." Not only public offices such as the President, Prime Minister, Ministers of various departments, and Governors, but also key media positions like TV news anchors and editors are filled by children, with programming broadcast throughout the day from a child's perspective. Children inaugurated as "Ministers for a Day" deliver speeches with confidence on education, the environment, and world peace, conveying messages for the future to adults. This is a highly unique traditional event unseen in other countries and is cherished as a symbolic event that fosters a sense of participation in society.
A Holiday Spent with Family and History Adorning the Streets
On the holiday, April 23rd, the entire country of Turkey is enveloped in a festive mood. Families give special gifts to their children and enjoy family time, ensuring children spend the day smiling. Public facilities, of course, and many homes are decorated with Turkish flags and portraits of Atatürk, expressing respect for the history of winning national sovereignty and the voluntary will of each citizen to pass it on to the children.
While festival events enjoyable for families are held across the country, we introduce two particularly noteworthy events.
AKM (Atatürk Cultural Center) 4th Children's Art Festival
At the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) in Istanbul, the "Children's Art Festival" will be held from Thursday, April 23, 2026, to Monday, April 27, 2026. This event marks its fourth year and offers a diverse range of programs including theater, workshops, and special performances.
Beyond the joy of "watching," children can also experience the pleasure of "creating," making it a major attraction of this festival as they can participate proactively as artists.
11th International Children's Festival (XI. International Children's Festival)
This festival will be held from Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to Monday, April 27, 2026, in Alanya and Manavgat, Antalya, a beautiful resort city renowned as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean." Young talents from all over the world gather for this festival, showcasing performances in a wide variety of categories such as folk dance, contemporary dance, music, rhythmic gymnastics, baton twirling, and dance theater. Participants will enjoy stays at 5-star hotels, experiencing Turkey's unique culture and hospitality while deepening cross-border exchanges.
About Turkey
Turkey is a vital hub connecting Asia and Europe, fostering cultural exchange and diversity for centuries. It offers a multifaceted destination with rich history, archaeological sites, natural beauty, and exquisite cuisine, reflecting various civilizations. The country captivates global visitors with its dynamic shopping and entertainment scene, alongside arts and fashion that blend tradition and modernity. It welcomed a record-breaking approximately 64 million international tourists in 2025, following its Republic's centennial in 2023 and 100 years of diplomatic ties with Japan in 2024.
For more details about Turkey, please visit the official website (https://goturkiye.jp/) or follow the SNS below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoTurkiye.jp
X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/GoTurkiye_jp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goturkiye_jp/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/tourism