Happy Children's Day!

Today is a National Holiday (April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day) dedicated to children in Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. It is also the commemoration of the first opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in 1920. My mom's grandfather was one of the representatives in the Grand National Assembly. Our family is very proud of this.

Children's Day started to be celebrated worldwide since 1979 recognized by UNESCO. Turkish Radio and Television Corporation sponsors the TRT International April 23 Children's Festival every year. More than 50 countries participate each year and children from all over the world come to Turkey and stay with families that have similar aged children. They participate in week long festivities, playing games, performing their national dances and sight seeing.

The celebrations take place in many different cities in Turkey and it is a joyful event with the motto:

LOVE, FRIENDSHIP and PEACE

So, I would like to say:

Happy Children's Day!  

to the children of the world.