Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day in Northern Cyprus

On May 19, Northern Cyprus celebrates Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day (Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı). It is an official state holiday and day off dedicated to youth, sports, and the role of the new generation in the development of society. The main emphasis is on sports, education, and youth events.

Today, this day is perceived primarily as a holiday for young people: schoolchildren, students, athletes, and everyone connected with education and active public life.

• History of Atatürk Memorial Day
• Atatürk Memorial Day in Northern Cyprus
• Frequently asked questions about the holiday

One of Turkey’s most important holidays is also widely celebrated in Northern Cyprus.

History of the holiday

Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day is an annual Turkish national holiday celebrated on May 19 in memory of Mustafa Kemal’s landing in Samsun on May 19, 1919, which in official historiography is considered the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence.

What does youth and sports have to do with it? In 1916, the first Gymnastics Festival was held in Istanbul. The festival anthem was based on the adapted Swedish folk song «Tre trallande jäntor», which turned into the Turkish march «Dağ Başını Duman Almış».

According to eyewitnesses, when Atatürk and his army were leaving Samsun in victory, everyone sang this very song.

An interesting fact: Atatürk was born in 1881, but his exact date of birth is unknown. In one of his speeches, he stated that he considered May 19 to be his birthday, clearly referring to the start of the national struggle in 1919.

By Law No. 3466 of June 20, 1938, «May 19» was officially declared the Youth and Sports Festival.

Atatürk Memorial Day in Northern Cyprus

In Northern Cyprus, the celebration takes place at the state level and usually includes a series of events organized with the participation of the Ministry of Education.

As part of the holiday week dedicated to May 19, the ceremonial lighting of the Youth Torch is traditionally planned. The event takes place with the participation of the Ministry of Education of the TRNC and symbolically opens a program that includes state ceremonies, school and student events, sports competitions, and cultural performances.

Government representatives, military personnel, students, and citizens gather at monuments, public squares, and schools across Northern Cyprus to lay wreaths, observe moments of silence, and listen to speeches dedicated to Atatürk’s contribution to the development of the nation.

On this day, the official address of Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman is delivered, wreath-laying ceremonies are held, the anthem is performed, and flags are raised in a ceremonial manner.

Ships of the Turkish Navy will also join the festive program and be opened to visitors. The submarine TCG I. İnönü will be at the tourist port of Kyrenia, and the missile boat TCG Meltem will be at the commercial port of Famagusta. Visits are scheduled in two time slots: from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.

Frequently asked questions

Is Atatürk Day a day off?

Yes. Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day is a day off and is included in the list of public holidays in Northern Cyprus.

When is Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day celebrated?

The holiday is celebrated annually on May 19.

What is usually closed on May 19 in Northern Cyprus?

On the public holiday, government offices are generally closed. Private companies, shops, and services may operate according to their own schedules.

Where do the main events take place?

Ceremonies and events are held throughout Northern Cyprus: at Atatürk monuments, in city squares, in schools, and in sports complexes.

Where can I find the official event program for a specific year?

Usually, the program is published closer to the holiday date.

Where else is Atatürk Day celebrated?

It is considered an official holiday only in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. In some Turkic countries, for example in Azerbaijan, celebratory events are also held. In Greece, however, May 19 is marked as the Memorial Day for the victims of the Greek genocide.

What other Turkish holidays are celebrated in Northern Cyprus?

In addition to Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, Northern Cyprus also widely celebrates Republic Day of Turkey and National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.