Turkey Marks Start of Independence War on May 19

The 92nd anniversary of Turkish Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s 1919 landing in the Black Sea province of Samsun, from where he launched the struggle for national independence, will be marked Thursday in Turkey.

Because Atatürk chose to dedicate May 19 to youth, the historic date is commemorated as Youth and Sports Day, reflecting his belief that youth are the guarantee of Turkey’s future.

The nationwide celebrations will begin in the morning with the country’s top civilian and military leaders visiting Atatürk’s mausoleum, Anıtkabir, in the Turkish capital city of Ankara.

Commemorations in the capital will also take place at the May 19 Stadium, where high school students will participate in various athletic activities to mark the day.

May 18, 2011
SOURCE: HURRIYET DAILYE NEWS