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Samsun hosts vibrant April 23 Children’s Day celebrations with global participation

Tolga Arda Bilasa 23 April 2026, Thursday - 10:47 Updated: 27 April 2026, Monday - 10:47
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Samsun celebrated National Sovereignty and Children’s Day with great enthusiasm and broad participation. The ceremonies, which began at Cumhuriyet (Republic) Square, continued with folk dance performances by children from around the world.

The celebrations in Samsun started with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Atatürk Monument in Cumhuriyet Square. Following a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, the program continued at Mustafa Dağıstanlı Sports Hall. The event attracted strong interest from protocol members, students, and citizens.

Murat Ağar: “A reflection of a vision that recognizes no power other than the nation”

Delivering the opening speech, Samsun Provincial Director of National Education Dr. Murat Ağar emphasized that April 23 is not only a celebration but also a declaration of independence. He stated:

“We proudly commemorate the 106th anniversary of the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. The dedication of this meaningful day to children is a testament to the infinite trust that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk had in them. The principle of national sovereignty, which determines the direction of our future, is the fundamental dynamic of our Republic. On this occasion, I commemorate with gratitude and respect, first and foremost, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, all the heroes of the War of Independence, and the esteemed members of our founding parliament. I sincerely celebrate the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day of our children, who are the hope of our future and the joy of today. Happy holiday.”

Turkic world comes together in Samsun

As part of the celebrations, children’s choirs and flag performances received great applause from the audience. Children from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Gagauzia, Crimea, Kosovo, and Balkaria delivered messages of unity through their traditional dances.

İlyas Topsakal: “A child is a world”

İlyas Topsakal, Deputy Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and Samsun Member of Parliament, emphasized the role of children in the continuity of a nation. He stated:

“Today is the second spring of the Republic of Türkiye. A child dreams, a child lives, and by growing up, a child ensures the continuity of the state. This Republic is entrusted to you,” and congratulated children on their holiday.

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) was represented at the program by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten on behalf of Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın.

The ceremony was attended by Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı, Garrison Commander Major General Davut Ala, Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Halit Doğan, Chief Public Prosecutor Mehmet Sabri Kılıç, OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, AK Party Provincial Chairman Mehmet Köse, MHP Provincial Chairman Burhan Mucur, as well as many students and citizens.