Public holiday in Türkiye
National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Türkiye
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
National Sovereignty and Children’s Day is a nationwide public holiday in Türkiye on 23 April. It marks the opening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and is dedicated to children, who are central to the day’s public ceremonies and school events.
About National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Türkiye
In Türkiye, this holiday combines a national civic commemoration with a day focused on children. It is observed across the country and is one of the main state holidays in the calendar. The date highlights the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the idea of national sovereignty, while the children’s aspect gives the day a distinctive character in public life and in schools. In practice, it is widely associated with performances, student participation and official events rather than private observance.
History
The holiday is linked to 23 April 1920, when the Turkish Grand National Assembly opened in Ankara during the Turkish War of Independence. It later became associated with children and has been observed as National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
Traditions
Children commonly take part in school performances, songs, poems and other stage activities. It is also associated with symbolic gestures that place children at the center of the day, including children taking part in official programs and public ceremonies.
How National Sovereignty and Children's Day is celebrated in Türkiye
Across Türkiye, the day is marked by ceremonies, school programs and events involving children. Public institutions and schools often organize commemorations, and the holiday is widely visible through student performances and official gatherings.
Interesting facts
It is the only Turkish national holiday formally dedicated to children. In Türkiye, 23 April is also celebrated as part of the country’s official remembrance of the opening of parliament.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 Apr 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.