H.E. Abdullah Gül’s Message on the April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children’s Day

“My fellow citizens and dear children,

We celebrate the 92nd anniversary of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), National Sovereignty and Children’s Day with pride.
I hereby extend my love and best wishes to you all.
Great Atatürk believed that it was possible for the nation to achieve its independence struggle only through protecting its union and solidarity, thus making the creed of national sovereignty the premise of this independence struggle.

The inauguration of the TBMM on April 23, 1920 was a turning point in that it paved the way for the independence of the nation and it also showed new horizons for the country. The TBMM which served as a headquarters for the independence war under the leadership of Atatürk and which provided this great struggle with life, hope and strength through its honorable stance and verdicts, thus becoming the source of the foundation of the Turkish Republic.
This august assembly that proclaimed the republic with the very strength it took from the will of the nation and with the guidance of Atatürk implemented the comprehensive reforms in the process during which Turkey was able to integrate with the modern world, thus laying the grounds of more powerful tomorrow for the nation.

The TBMM’s wielding of national sovereignty reversed the harsh conditions the country was going through and facilitated it in overcoming its problems permanently. Our assembly has proudly been performing its honorable duty for 92 years is also proud to enjoy the nation’s trust. The Turkish Grand National Assembly is the shrine of our democracy, the very place where national sovereignty is demonstrated and the roof that symbolizes the fact that national sovereignty belongs to the nation with no condition. The understanding that national sovereignty is the basis of freedom, quality, supremacy of law and illegitimacy of the institutions paved the way for Turkey to rise on steadfast grounds.
The very developments Turkey has achieved in recent years have made it a shining star with its accomplishments. Therefore, Turkey’s profile is reaching higher and higher not only economically but also politically and diplomatically.
The fact that our country has taken its place among the important actors of the international system indicates a great progress, of which we are all very proud.
Turkey is a country that has espoused a pluralistic democracy based upon human rights and the rule of law. Democracy is the regime of accord, agreement and peace. I wholeheartedly believe that Turkey will solve all her problems in self-confidence and maturity. It will never relinquish the very resoluteness to deal with her problems with courage. I would like to underscore the importance that we not allow these problems to cast dark shadows on our future; otherwise, it will bring new lost years for the nation.

Today, the most significant agenda our country should deal with is to have a new and libertarian constitution that will make Turkey a first class democracy.
I have no doubt that the parties represented in the TBMM, all the political actors and NGOs can achieve this through their rational, prudent and constructive studies they will carry out in the understanding of accord and conciliation.
That democracy and the rule of law are adopted with all their institutions and agencies and that problems we face in practice can be overcome as per the universal norms are the assurances for our country to develop in stability and prosperity.

When we achieve this, I believe that Turkey drawing attention of the whole world with its performance and dynamism will accomplish much more and realize other great improvements.

A developed, prosperous, democratic and modern Turkey, which I wholeheartedly believe we can reach with self-confidence, will be the most treasured gift and legacy we can leave to the next generations.

Dear children,

I am pleased to share your happiness in this festival with you, who are our most important treasure and source of hope.
This meaningful day given to you by Atatürk is the day when our nation is proud and joyful. We are all making great efforts so that you can live in a more prosperous and stronger Turkey. I have great confidence in the fact that you, our children, who we regard as the guarantee of our future, will follow the trace the previous generations left and will fulfill the responsibility upon your shoulders with resoluteness for peace, welfare and development of our country when it is necessary. Your success will carry Turkey into brighter future.

You should always remember that if you work hard, trust yourselves and improve yourselves in the best way, you can obtain all these objectives.
The April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children’s Day which is celebrated with great elation with the participation of other children from the four corners of the world is the most tangible demonstration of the value and trust that Atatürk and our nation have for you.

I would like to reiterate that we love and trust you all very much and that we are doing our best so that you can receive a quality education under the best conditions and prepare yourselves for the future with great confidence. It is our nation’s common aim that you are successful, healthy, peaceful and happy.
I, on this meaningful day, I remember Atatürk, the founder of our republic, all our heroes and heroines of our Independence War, the members of the First National Assembly with tribute and gratitude. I once again celebrate your April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children’s Day and embrace you all with affection.”