About Turkey National Sovereignty & Children's Day
National Sovereignty and Children's Day — Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı — is a Turkish national holiday on April 23. It commemorates April 23, 1920, when the Grand National Assembly first convened in Ankara during the War of Independence, establishing the principle that sovereignty belongs to the nation. Atatürk uniquely dedicated the date to children, calling them the guarantee of the country's future.
It is widely regarded as the world's first official holiday dedicated to children. Schools across Turkey hold festivals, dances and performances, and children symbolically take the seats of officials — including, in some years, occupying the speaker's chair in parliament for the day. Since the 1970s the state broadcaster has hosted an international children's festival that brings young visitors from dozens of countries to Turkey for the celebrations, an event recognised by UNICEF.
The holiday always falls on the fixed date of April 23, so it can occur on any weekday. The countdown above tracks the days, hours and minutes until April 23 in your own timezone. Add it to your own page to follow the build-up to one of Turkey's most joyful national days.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Friday, April 23, 2027next |
| 2028 | Sunday, April 23, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, April 23, 2029 |
| 2030 | Tuesday, April 23, 2030 |
| 2031 | Wednesday, April 23, 2031 |
FAQ
When is Turkey Children's Day?
National Sovereignty and Children's Day is celebrated every year on April 23 throughout Turkey.
Why is April 23 important in Turkey?
It marks the first meeting of the Grand National Assembly on April 23, 1920, and Atatürk dedicated the day to children.
How is Children's Day celebrated?
With school festivals, parades and performances, and children symbolically taking the seats of state officials, including in parliament.
Was Turkey the first country with a Children's Day?
Turkey's April 23 holiday is widely cited as the first national day dedicated to children, and it hosts an international children's festival recognised by UNICEF.