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Mark your calendars for April 23, because it's time to celebrate National Sovereignty and Children's Day! This holiday has a rich history, originating in Turkey as a way to honor the country's independence and also promote the welfare of children. It is now celebrated in various countries around the world, highlighting the importance of protecting national sovereignty and ensuring the well-being of our future generations. On this day, let's take a moment to appreciate the rights and freedoms we have thanks to our sovereignty, and also cherish and support the youth who will carry on these values.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of National Sovereignty</div><div class='timeline-text'>On April 23, 1920, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was established, marking the national sovereignty of the country.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1927</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Observance of National Sovereignty Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Starting in 1927, April 23 has been officially observed as National Sovereignty Day in Turkey.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1979</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Children's Day Added</div><div class='timeline-text'>Turkey's founder and first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, dedicated April 23 as Children's Day to underscore the importance of children as the nation's future.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition by UNICEF</div><div class='timeline-text'>UNICEF recognized Turkey's April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day as an international event promoting the welfare and rights of children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s - present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Gradually, more countries across the world began to recognize and celebrate National Sovereignty and Children's Day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a children's parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather children from your community and organize a parade to celebrate National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. Let the children design and create their own banners and costumes to showcase their creativity and pride for their country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum or historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to educate children about the history of their country by visiting a museum or historical site. This will help them understand the importance of National Sovereignty and Children’s Day and its significance in their country's past, present, and future.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a cultural fair</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate diversity and cultural heritage by organizing a fair where children can learn about different traditions, customs, and cuisines from various countries. This will not only be a fun way to celebrate National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, but also promote unity and understanding among children from different backgrounds.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take part in a community service project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Teach children the importance of giving back to their community by participating in a community service project. This can be anything from cleaning up a local park to helping out at a charity event. It will instill a sense of responsibility and pride in children for their country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather children and their families for a movie night featuring films that celebrate national sovereignty or highlight the importance of children's rights. This will be a fun and educational way to commemorate the special day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the importance of children in our society</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Sovereignty and Children's Day emphasizes the value and significance of children by dedicating an entire day to them. It is a reminder that they are our future and we must do all we can to nurture and support them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and solidarity among nations</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day is celebrated by multiple countries around the world, bringing people together to celebrate both their sovereignty as a nation and their commitment to protecting children's rights. It serves as a reminder that despite our differences, we are all united in our love for children.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It highlights the importance of protecting children's rights</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Sovereignty and Children's Day is a platform to raise awareness about the challenges children face around the world, such as access to education, healthcare, and protection from violence. It reminds us that it is our responsibility to advocate for and protect the rights of all children.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First Celebrated by Children in the National Assembly</h3><p class='facts-content'>On April 23, 1923, the newly formed Grand National Assembly of Turkey was symbolically taken over by children to mark the celebration of the first National Sovereignty and Children's Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Only Public Holiday Dedicated to Children</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Sovereignty and Children's Day is unique in that it is the only public holiday in the world dedicated specifically to children.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Children's Day" Has Been Celebrated in Various Forms for Over a Century</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though Turkey was the first country to officially declare a national children's holiday in 1920, "Children's Day" celebrations can be traced back to as early as 1857 in United States.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Model for Other Child-Focused International Days</h3><p class='facts-content'>Turkey's emphasis on children's rights influenced other international observances, such as Universal Children’s Day established by the United Nations in 1954.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It’s a Day for Children to "Take Over"</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many places, children assume roles of adults on this day, making news broadcasts, and even running the country as a symbol of their future responsibilities.</p></div></div>
National Sovereignty and Children's Day is celebrated on April 23 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Tuesday.
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