May 19 Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day 2027
Date: May 19, 2027 (Wednesday)
Type: Public Holiday
Until next holiday
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History
Made Official In: 1938
On May 19, 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed at Samsun and started the Turkish War of Independence. This date is considered the symbolic beginning of the founding process of the Republic of Turkey. From 1936, it was celebrated as 'Sports and Youth Day'. In 1938, it was declared an official holiday by Law No. 3466. In 1981, the phrase 'Atatürk Memorial' was added by Law No. 2429, giving it its current name.
Features
- Atatürk's landing at Samsun (1919)
- Symbolic starting date of the War of Independence
- Youth and sports performances at stadiums
- Ceremony at Anıtkabir and emphasis on Atatürk's birthday (Atatürk adopted May 19 as his birthday)
- Ceremonies at schools and high schools
💡 Interesting Fact
Since Atatürk said he did not know his exact birth date, he adopted May 19, 1919 as his symbolic birthday. Therefore, May 19 is celebrated both as the start of the War of Independence and as Atatürk's symbolic birthday.