April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day

My fellow citizens,

Dear children,

Today, we are celebrating with pride the 91^st anniversary of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) and the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in the four corners of the country.

I hereby extend my good wishes to you all and I am so pleased to share with you the very joy and enthusiasm of our children, the future adults.

April 23, 1920 stands for the turning point that bears historic importance for our august nation. This date represents the very day the Turkish nation took hold of its sovereignty and protected its land when the enemies attempted to occupy the country.

The struggle for independence which was triggered by the great leader, Atatürk, who averred: “The future of the country will only be saved through the very resoluteness of the nation itself”, was crowned with the inauguration of the TBMM, the salvation of the land and the proclamation of the republic.

The Grand Assembly, serving the public under very hard circumstances at the time, fulfilled the very responsibility it assumed in the best way as per the nation’s will. The TBMM commanded the Independence War under the leadership of Atatürk, founded the republic and altered the fate of the nation and moulded the future of the country with the reforms it enacted and the historic decisions it made. It, thus, became a symbol of pure democracy and national sovereignty.

This august assembly has always accomplished many effective measures for the betterment of our nation. It has assumed very important responsibilities toward the integration of Turkey with the modern world, the maturization of our democracy and implementation of the pluralistic democratic norms. The TBMM, therefore, is the place where the national sovereignty is manifested and the very heart of our democracy.

The Turkish Grand National Assembly that personifies Turkey’s today and tomorrow is the very institution where all the problems of the country can be resolved.

The principle that sovereignty rests unconditionally with the nation is the foundation of the Republic of Turkey.

The history of our republic demonstrates the process during which this power spreads and it helps the state and nation soar through the constructive developments it has achieved.

On the 91^st anniversary of the TBMM, I am proud to evince that Turkey is incessantly developing in all areas with its dynamism.

Our people, no matter what happens, look to the future. Our democracy is deepening and our economy is constantly developing as well.

It must be admitted that Turkey’s weight and influence in the international arena are increasingly enhancing in parallel with its rising political and economic power, ascending foreign policy and advancing democratic standards.

We are on our path with the aim to be a state that has been able to resolve its own problems within the country and that is respected abroad as well. Our sole purpose is to leave a better country to the next generations.

We continue to make tireless efforts to build a more prosperous Turkey, make it a first class democracy and enable our people to be happier and richer.

We have to continue the reforms on the path toward social transformation and renewal and implement the real democracy, human rights and the rule of law in order to raise the country to the level of the modern civilization as per the very target that Atatürk indicated.

I have no doubt that Turkey will, by leaving its problems behind, certainly be more advanced than today.

Our country’s recent performance, our resources and experiences consolidate my conviction in this regard.

Our children and youth from whom we take our strength are our biggest assurance.

Dear children,

This meaningful day Atatürk granted you all is the day of pride and enthusiasm for our nation.

April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day , celebrated with the participation of all children from the whole of the world, is tangible evidence that Atatürk and our nation cherished and trusted all children. 

You are the future of our country and hope of our nation. You will hold many important positions and represent Turkey in the best way in the future. With the successes you will have, you will be decisive on the path toward the accomplishment of the aims of our country.

We all would like to see you healthy, successful, peaceful and happy. We are pulling out all the stops for you to receive a quality education, develop yourselves, enjoy all the beauties of life and be joyful all the time.

We are sure of you as today’s children that while you enjoy your childhood, you will appreciate all the amenities and opportunities offered by your parents and the state and that you will make more efforts to develop yourselves.

I wholeheartedly believe that you will follow the traces of the previous generations that have carried Turkey to its current position and that you will not relinquish when you meet hardships for the country’s peace, prosperity and development.

The establishment of a world of peace and amity, which is everyone’s aim to achieve, will be realized through children. Your heart full of love, tolerance and good will be the foundation of peace for all.

I would like to reiterate our love and trust for you. Our biggest wish is that your accomplishments and happiness last forever.

I hereby remember the founder of our republic, Atatürk, all the heroes of our Independence War and the members of the First Grand Assembly with tribute and gratitude.

I once again celebrate your festival and extend my good wishes to you all.