Turkey marks Youth and Sports Day, commemorates Atatürk

Turkey on May 19 celebrated the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day, which marks the beginning of the country's War of Independence and the emergence of modern Turkey.

"I celebrate the May 19 Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day of our youth and cherished nation, and I respectfully commemorate with respect all the heroes, first and foremost Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, of our War of Independence," President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Twitter on May 19 marking the national day.   

Erdoğan, along with the tweet, also shared a photograph of Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and citizens with the Turkish flag in the background.      

Erdoğan met with young people via teleconference as the country stays indoors due to the coronavirus outbreak. Erdoğan said he believes in Turkey's youth.
"We will not bow to street terror as we have not to separatist terrorism. City bandits will never prevail. No one will be able to sow discord among the young people of this country," he said.
"Turkey is growing, developing, getting stronger. Our country is building its future, inspired by the past. Despite the obstacles, sabotages and betrayals, we walk with determination on this blessed journey. Our biggest source of trust are you, young people," he stated.

May 19 is a milestone in Turkish history as it is the day when Atatürk arrived in the Black Sea province of Samsun from Istanbul to organize the war that saw the remnants of the Ottoman Empire transformed into modern Turkey four years later.
 
Atatürk dedicated May 19 to the youth of the Turkish nation as Youth and Sports Day, a national holiday that sees young people stage sporting and cultural activities and official ceremonies organized across the nation....