Araz News via todayszaman: People across Turkey mark May 19 as the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, a day that is celebrated as the beginning of the War of Independence, the day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed in Samsun, an act that led to the foundation of the Turkish Republic on the ashes of Ottoman Empire.

On May 19, 1919, Atatürk, who would later become modern Turkey’s first president, landed on the main peninsula to take leadership of the liberation effort. In early 1920, Atatürk convened the first Turkish Grand National Assembly (Parliament) in Ankara, and by 1922, all of Anatolia was free from foreign rule. The independent Republic of Turkey was declared a year later.

During his term as president, Atatürk himself declared May 19 “Youth & Sports Day,” and, out of respect for Atatürk’s monumental legacy, the day also serves to honor him as the country’s founder.

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu released a statement on Wednesday, wishing people well on the occasion of the holiday. Ministers and government officials participated in May 19 celebrations at the May 19 Atatürk Stadium in Ankara and at the Türk Telekom Stadium in İstanbul.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, in a statement released on Monday, that May 19, 1919 is a very important date in the memory of the nation, and that youth are now guaranteed a prosperous future. For this reason, Erdoğan said, the government considers an investment in youth to be an investment in the future of the country.

Several ministers, deputies, party leaders and other officials also released holiday statements, calling on the youth of the country in particular to recognize the meaning of the occasion.

reprinted from todayszaman