Each year on April 23, millions in Türkiye and around the world pause to celebrate a holiday that is both historically profound and joyfully unique: National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
It was on this day in 1920 that the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye first convened—a bold step in the founding of the modern Turkish Republic. To mark this moment, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk did something unprecedented: he dedicated the day not just to national sovereignty, but to children, recognizing them as the true stewards of the republic’s future.
It is the only holiday in the world gifted to children by a nation’s founder, and it continues to inspire celebrations of hope, imagination, and unity.
This year, Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF) proudly celebrated this special day across the United States, partnering with local organizations to bring the spirit of April 23 to life in vibrant community festivals.
From the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest, the joy was contagious and the message was clear: children are the heart of our future.
📍Seattle, WA – At the International Children’s Friendship Festival (ICFF) with the Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington (TACAWA), 39 countries were represented – uniting cultures under the banner of childhood and peace.
📍 San Diego, CA – We joined the celebration of Turkish Schools in Los Angeles, Orange Country and San Diego, hosted by the American Turkish Association of Southern California (ATA-SC) and House of Türkiye to celebrate the day with a vibrant community of young learners.
Every child deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated. On this special day, and every day, we commit to investing in their future. Because a sovereign tomorrow begins with empowered children today.
If you would like to donate to our April 23rd Children’s Day fundraiser and support rural classrooms in Türkiye, click here.
