April 23 is National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. In celebration, there will be two full days of concerts, workshops, play zones, and stage performances.
April 23 is an official holiday in Türkiye. On this day, the following will be closed:
- Government offices
- Schools
- Banks
- Cargo companies
- Municipalities and district administrations
The International Children's Festival in Alanya, organized for the seventh time this year by the Alanya Municipality as part of the April 23 celebrations, will take place on April 26 and 27 with a colorful program of events.
The festival will be held near the Old Town Hall. This year the event has expanded and promises unforgettable moments for both children and their families.
The festival area is designed to be fully accessible for children and families. While kids enjoy the festivities in balloon parks and play tents, they’ll also have opportunities to learn new things. In addition to vibrant stage performances, the event will feature a bubble show, clown acts, balloon-folding workshops, robot shows, children's games, and many other fun and educational activities.
A highlight of the festival will be a live concert by the popular singer Melis Fis, who has been topping streaming charts recently. Her performance will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 7:00 PM. The first day will end with dance and stage performances.
On Sunday, April 27, at 6:00 PM, the festival will conclude with a collective painting event open to all participants aged 7 to 70.
Alanya Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik stated:
"April 23 is not only the day when sovereignty was declared to belong to the nation under the leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, but also a symbol of trust, love, and belief in children. The fact that Atatürk dedicated this special day to children brings great responsibility. As local administrators, we strive to ensure that our children grow up happier and in equal conditions."
The cable car ride will be free for children under 14 years old.
Children in Turkey — a vital part of society
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, by the end of 2024, Turkey's population reached 85.66 million people, with 21.82 million (25.5%) being children under the age of 18.
There is a slight male majority among children — 51.3% boys versus 48.7% girls.
By comparison, the average proportion of children in the European Union in 2024 was 17.8%. Leading EU countries:
Ireland — 23%
France — 20.8%
Sweden — 20.6%
In Turkey, the provinces with the highest child population are:
Şanlıurfa — 43.8%
Şırnak — 39.8%
Ağrı, Mardin, and Muş — 37.4%
The lowest rates are in:
Tunceli — 16.4%
Edirne — 17.3%
Kırklareli — 18%
Household statistics:
One child — 19%
Two children — 14.6%
Three — 6%
Four — 2%
Five or more — 1.1%
Respect for all children and a strong sense of care for future generations are hallmarks of Turkish culture.