Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day in Turkey Date in the current year: May 19, 2024

Mustafa Atatürk landed at Samsun on May 19, 1919 as the inspector of the Ninth Army Troops Inspectorate. He announced the mobilization against foreign intervention, thus officially beginning the Turkish War of Independence. Later Atatürk declared in one of his speeches, that he regards May 19 as his birthday, that is a clear reference to the beginning of the national struggle.

May 19 officially became the Festival of Youth and Sports on June 20, 1938. The holiday was dedicated to the youth, since young Turks played major role in the national struggle for independence and the future of the nation was in their hands.

Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day is observed by the youth parades, sports and cultural events. Streets and houses of the cities are decorated with Atatürk's portraits and national flags. A traditional ceremony of laying wreaths to the Republic Monument is held in Istanbul and the aviation show is organized in Samsun.