Importance of 19 May in Turkey

Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day on 19th May will be celebrated with great enthusiasm in Alanya and throughout the country.
The celebrations will start with an official ceremony in front of the Atatürk Monument and continue with various events in Şelale Square; It will be crowned with the “Lantern Procession March” and the Concert “Yüzyüzeyken konuşuruz”.

The 105th anniversary of May 19, 1919, when the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk went to Samsun and started the struggle for national independence, will be celebrated with enthusiasm in Alanya, as in the whole country. The May 19 enthusiasm will reach its peak with the events to be held in cooperation with Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, Alanya Municipality, and Alanya City Council on the 19 May Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day.

World Dances will take the stage on May 18th

On Saturday, May 18 at 17:00, as part of the celebrations, dancers from various countries will march in a procession from the Atatürk Monument to Iskele Şelale Square. The event, supported by Alanya Municipality, will feature a cortege march with the participation of 1,200 dancers from 23 dance groups representing Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Dagestan. Following the procession, the groups will showcase traditional dances from their respective countries on a stage.

Day Celebrations at Iskele Selale Square

On May 19, the program will commence with the presentation of a wreath at the Ataturk Monument. Following the official ceremony, there will be a youth march at Şelale Square accompanied by a marching band. At the waterfall square, speeches will be delivered to emphasize the significance of the day, and poems will be recited. Additionally, a folk dance Zeybek show by ALKÜ students for 100 people, taekwondo and gymnastics displays, and promotional events for various sports branches at the District Sports Center will take place. Furthermore, a yacht trip and water sports shows including jet skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, and diving will be organized.

The Lantern Procession March, organized in cooperation with the Alanya Municipality and Alanya City Council, will be taking place. The procession will begin with a meeting in front of the Atatürk Monument at 19:30, followed by the march at 20:00. The route will go through Atatürk Street, Bostancıpınarı Street, İskele Rıhtım Street, and will end behind the Alanya Municipality Palace. During the event, citizens will celebrate the joy of the holiday accompanied by flags, torches, and anthems.

The celebrations will culminate with the concert

At 21.00, the concert of Yüzyüzeyken Söylüyoruz, one of Turkey’s most popular music groups, will be held behind Alanya City Hall. The joy of May 19 will continue until late hours with the free concert program organized by Antalya Metropolitan Municipality and Alanya Municipality.

Mayor Özçelik has invited all citizens

Alanya Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik announced that they have organized a special program for the 19th of May, which is the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. He mentioned that they will celebrate this significant day, gifted to the Turkish youth by the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with great enthusiasm alongside the young people. The Mayor invited everyone to join the Lantern Procession March on Sunday, May 19th at 19:30, as well as the Yüzyüzeyken Söylüyoruz event at 21:00.

What is the significance of May 19, 1919 in Turkey?

On May 19, 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, then known as Mustafa Kemal Pasha, landed in the city of Samsun on the Black Sea coast of Turkey. This event is widely regarded as the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence.

Key points about this event:

Context: After World War I, the Ottoman Empire was defeated and occupied by Allied forces. The Treaty of Sèvres signed in 1920, aimed to break up the Ottoman Empire, resulting in substantial territorial losses.

Mustafa Kemal’s Mission: Mustafa Kemal was sent to Samsun by the Ottoman government to restore order and disband irregular Turkish forces in the region. However, his true intention was to organize and lead the national resistance against the occupation and the terms of the Treaty of Sèvres.

National Movement: Upon his arrival in Samsun, Mustafa Kemal started mobilizing resistance and uniting various regional defence groups. His efforts led to the establishment of a structured national movement aimed at securing Turkey’s independence and sovereignty.

Historical Impact: This marked the beginning of a series of events that led to the formation of the Turkish Republic. The War of Independence fought between 1919 and 1923, resulted in the establishment of modern Turkey, with the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 recognizing the borders of the new Turkish state.

Legacy: May 19 is celebrated annually in Turkey as “Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day” in honour of Atatürk’s role in founding the republic and his vision for the future of the Turkish nation.

The landing in Samsun on May 19, 1919, symbolizes the beginning of the struggle that ultimately led to the creation of the Republic of Turkey and is a cornerstone of Turkish national history.