National Sovereignty and Children's Day of Turkey in Northern Cyprus

National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Turkey is celebrated annually on April 23. In Northern Cyprus, this is an official public holiday: government institutions are generally closed, and solemn ceremonies and children's events take place in schools and cities.

The holiday is dedicated to the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on April 23, 1920, and is traditionally associated with children's programs and the symbolic transfer of "adult" roles to children.

• Related links
• When it is celebrated and what it means for residents
• History of the holiday
• How it is celebrated in Northern Cyprus
• Dates by year
• Frequently asked questions

This Turkish holiday is also considered official in Northern Cyprus — meaning it is not only widely celebrated but is also a day off.

When it is celebrated and what it means for residents

• Date: annually on April 23.
• Status in Northern Cyprus: official public holiday.
• What is usually closed: government offices and some public services. Private companies, shops, and establishments may operate according to their own schedules.
• What happens: ceremonies, school events, children's concerts, sports, and cultural programs. Municipalities in various regions organize diverse activities for children: creative workshops, food courts, playgrounds and inflatables, clown performances, musical entertainment, pleasant surprises, and free ice cream. Each district prepares its own program, and details can be found in our events calendar.

History of National Sovereignty and Children's Day

On this day, April 23, 1920, the Grand National Assembly — the main legislative body of the country — was established in Turkey. This date was chosen as National Sovereignty Day.

What do children have to do with it? Mustafa Kemal Atatürk had no biological children, but he had many adopted children. One of them, by the way, was Sabiha Gökçen, the first Turkish female pilot, after whom one of the airports in Istanbul is named. At the establishment of the Grand National Assembly, Atatürk delivered a speech dedicated to the children of the world as a symbol of the future. Upon declaring National Sovereignty Day, he dedicated the holiday to children.

How it is celebrated

In addition to the concerts and theatrical performances in city squares traditional for any such holiday, Turkey has an interesting feature. On this day, officials, ministers, and other high-ranking civil servants, including deputies of the Grand National Assembly, are replaced by children.

In Northern Cyprus in recent years, instead of a complete "replacement" of civil servants by children, official visits of schoolchildren from different regions to government institutions are more common.

Festive events may also begin the day before. For instance, on April 22, 2025, as part of the celebrations, 17 schoolchildren occupied "ministerial" seats at a meeting of the Council of Ministers.

Dates by year

Frequently asked questions

Is this the Republic Day of Turkey?

No, this holiday should not be confused with Republic Day of Turkey, which is also widely celebrated in Northern Cyprus. It should also not be confused with Republic Day of Northern Cyprus itself — these are different holidays.

Is it a day off in Northern Cyprus?

Yes, April 23 is an official public holiday. Government institutions are usually closed.

What other public holidays are there in Northern Cyprus?

In total, there are more than 11 public holidays in Northern Cyprus, some of which last for several days. Both secular and religious dates are collected in the article: "Public Holidays of Northern Cyprus".

How can I know if shops and services will be open on April 23?

Private companies and establishments set their own schedules. If a specific service is important, checking the schedule on the company's website/social media or making a call usually helps.

Where can I follow announcements and the program of events for a specific year?

Announcements and schedules are most often published closer to the holiday date on the channel.