The importance of National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on April 23

April 23, 1920 marks a turning point in Turkish history. On this day, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi) was opened in Ankara, laying the foundation of the modern Turkish state. Here’s why this day is so significant:

1. Birth of National Sovereignty:
   It was the first time that national sovereignty — the idea that power belongs to the people, not a monarch — was officially put into practice in Turkish governance.
   
   
2. The Start of the Republic’s Foundation:
   This Parliament would go on to lead the War of Independence and lay the groundwork for the Republic of Turkey, officially declared in 1923.
   
   
3. End of the Ottoman Era:
   April 23 symbolized a break from the Ottoman Empire’s sultanate and centralized monarchy, shifting power to an elected legislative body.
   
   
4. Unity in Resistance:
   The Assembly united representatives from all over the country, becoming the heart of the National Struggle against occupation after World War I.
   
   
5. Children’s Day:
   Later, Atatürk dedicated this day to children, making Turkey the first country to celebrate an official Children’s Day — a symbol of hope and future generations.

So, April 23 is celebrated every year as National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı), honoring both the foundation of democratic rule and the importance of nurturing the future.