Turkey celebrates Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
Turkey on May 19 celebrates the Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) measures. Millions of Turkish citizens are marking the day at home this year, contrary to previous years which saw celebratory events and concerts.
Duvar English
Turkey on May 19 celebrates the Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) measures.
The day marks the 101st anniversary of the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence after Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, traveled from allied-occupied Istanbul to Samsun on the Black Sea coast on May 19, 1919, to launch Turkey’s War of Liberation against occupying powers.
Youth and Sports Minister Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu visited Anıtkabir, Atatürk's mausoleum in the capital Ankara, alongside a number of state officials.
The officials were seen wearing masks and abiding by the social distancing rule.
Millions of Turkish citizens are marking the day at home this year, contrary to previous years which saw celebratory events and concerts.
The Youth and Sports Ministry will broadcast a number of events throughout the day to mark the day, including a program with Turkish historian İlber Ortaylı.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu marked the day in Taksim via laying a wreath at the iconic monument on the square.
In Cappadocia, a locally produced hot air balloon flew to marks the day with a Turkish flag for nearly 40 minutes.