Little women, little men! Each one of you is a star, a ray of light, a rose of the future! It is you who will bathe the country in light! Never lose sight in your striving of how important and valuable you are. We are expecting great things of you.”
Küçük hanımlar, küçük beyler! Sizler hepiniz geleceğin bir gülü, yıldızı ve ikbal ışığısınız. Memleketi asıl ışığa boğacak olan sizsiniz. Kendinizin ne kadar önemli, değerli olduğunuzu düşünerek ona göre çalışınız. Sizlerden çok şey bekliyoruz.”
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
October 17, 1922
On the occasion of the 106th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) extends its heartfelt congratulations to all children and to the Turkish American community.
April 23, 1920, marks a defining milestone in Turkish history, with the inauguration of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in Ankara under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
This historic step laid the foundation for national sovereignty and democratic governance during a critical period of the War of Independence. In 1929, Atatürk dedicated this day to children, symbolizing the belief that the future of the nation rests in their hands.
Today, April 23 remains a unique celebration that unites the principles of national sovereignty with a deep commitment to children as the guardians of tomorrow.