Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day is a national holiday in Turkey. It honors both the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence in 1919 and the role of youth and sports in the vision of a modern, strong Republic as envisioned by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

When is Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day?

Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day is celebrated every year on May 19.

The following is the list of Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day?

On May 19, 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, then an Ottoman officer, landed in Samsun on the Black Sea coast. This moment is widely regarded as the starting point of the Turkish national struggle against the Allied occupation following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I.

Atatürk's mission was to organize resistance movements and lay the foundations for a new, independent Turkish state. This led to the War of Independence (1919–1923), and eventually to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.

The first official celebration of May 19 took place in 1926 in Samsun, under the name "Gazi Day" in reference to Atatürk.

In 1938, just before his death, Atatürk officially dedicated May 19 as Youth and Sports Day to encourage the physical and moral development of young people.

After his passing, the name of the holiday was expanded to "Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day", combining the national remembrance with a celebration of youth and vitality.