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May 19, 1919, one of the important turning points in Turkish history, is a symbol of the rebirth of the Turkish nation from its ashes. This date, when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed in Samsun, is also the beginning of the rise of the Turkish nation. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who started the struggle for independence by saying "Either Independence or Death!", gave great hope to the Turkish nation with this action.

This important day, which was a gift to the Turkish youth, is a symbol of Atatürk's trust in the youth and the Turkish nation. When the calendars show May 19 every year, this important day is celebrated with many events and sports shows all over Türkiye. If you wish, let’s take a closer look at our founding father’s journey to Samsun, the developments that followed and the meaning and importance of May 19.

A Struggle for Independence from İstanbul to Samsun

This journey of independence from İstanbul to Samsun was the beginning of an utterly new hope for the Turkish nation. Samsun was a strategically important point for the occupying forces at the time.

On March 9, 1919, the British landed a military unit in Samsun, which was a comfortable and reliable gateway from the Black Sea to Central Anatolia. In response to this situation, Lieutenant Hamdi from the Turkish Machine Gun Corps went up the mountains with his soldiers and drew attention to this region. Upon the complaints of the British High Commissioner that the Turkish soldiers were armed, it was decided to send a reliable commander with extraordinary powers to the region. This commander was Mustafa Kemal, who wanted to do something about the hopeless situation the country was in. On May 16, 1919, Atatürk and his entourage set off for Samsun on the Bandırma ferry. Atatürk was a soldier on duty throughout the journey and although he dressed accordingly, he would act as a civilian a few days after he set foot in Samsun. What he saw when he arrived in Samsun was not encouraging at all.

A Symbol of Unity and Solidarity

When the calendars showed May 19, 1919, the first step towards the liberation and independence of the Turkish nation was taken under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The National Struggle that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms started by setting foot in Samsun is the beginning of the Turkish nation's struggle for independence. This struggle for independence, won with the determined stance and determination of the Turkish nation, is also a symbol of unity and solidarity. The republic declared after the National Struggle was entrusted to the youth and demonstrated the trust in future generations.

The Holiday That is Gifted to the Youth: May 19!

This date when the Great Leader set foot in Samsun is also the day he called "my birthday". Atatürk accepted this meaningful day that determined the fate of the Turkish nation as the day he was born and wanted this day to be gifted to the youth that he loved very much, approximately four months before his death.

The process of celebrating May 19 as Youth and Sports Day was initially limited to local events. Over time, thanks to the great contributions of the Turkish nation, it became one of the most important days in Turkish history and was carried to the national level. May 19 Youth and Sports Day was celebrated nationally in 1935, although it was not yet accepted as an official holiday. This meaningful day was accepted as an official holiday approximately five months before Mustafa Kemal Atatürk passed away.

This important day, which was called Youth and Sports Day with a law enacted when the calendars showed June 20, the year 1938, was celebrated under this name until 1980. In 1981, May 19 began to be known as the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.

With the Same Enthusiasm Every Year!

May 19, which is Atatürk's birthday, the date when the Nutuk (A Speech) began to be written and is considered the first step that was taken for the struggle for independence, continues to be celebrated with great enthusiasm all over our country. Every year on May 19, large-scale sports shows, concerts, marches and events are organized in many cities from Samsun to Ankara and from Ankara to İstanbul. Young people start preparing for these events months in advance. 

May 19, the symbol of the struggle for independence, is also a meaningful date to remember that the Turkish nation can overcome almost any difficulty with unity and solidarity. It is the common responsibility of the Turkish nation, especially the youth, to celebrate this special day with enthusiasm and to protect Atatürk's legacy.

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