TR
22.04.2024
THE MESSAGE OF MAYOR TAMER MANDALİNCİ FOR APRIL 23
Mayor Tamer MANDALİNCİ has released a message on the occasion of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day. In his message, Mayor Mandalinci stated, "Our parliament, which was established 104 years ago in lands plagued by invasion and poverty, is the most significant achievement of those who fought for independence and liberation."
On the evening of April 23, 1920, when the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) was inaugurated, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk addressed the deputies, saying:
“Gentlemen! The Ottoman Empire has ruled over the destiny of this nation for 600 years. Although the Ottoman Empire has partially disintegrated, there is a government in Istanbul today. Next to the Ottoman Empire, the parliament we inaugurate today remains youthful. Hence, let us name today's occasion Children's Day. Let this youth grow and declare its own victory.”
The parliament, established 104 years ago in lands plagued by invasion and poverty, stands as the most significant achievement of those who led the struggle for independence and liberation and it continues to stand tall despite all challenges.
The Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, which proclaimed Anatolia as the homeland of free and proud people and declared its victory, is the legacy of the will that brought the Anatolian rebellion to liberation, nationalized the ummah by abolishing the sultanate and established the Republic by granting sovereignty "unconditionally" to the people. Therefore, on October 29, 1923, our Constitution included the provision stating, "The form of government of the Turkish State is the Republic. The Turkish State is governed by the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye.".
The opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye was declared as "National Sovereignty Day" on April 23, 1921 and on April 23, 1929, it was dedicated to children by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
National Sovereignty & Children's Day is the first national holiday of our Republic.
The foundation of our nation's sovereignty is the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and the future of our parliament lies in our children.
To the children of Türkiye,
You are the torchbearers of our Republic's ideals—symbols of hope, progress and a bright future. As we celebrate April 23, let us unite with our children, filling the streets with joy and optimism.
Happy April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day—a celebration of our future and the resilience of our nation.
Let us fill the squares, parks and streets hand in hand with our children.
May the heavens and earth be red and white.
