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One of those truly special days that is celebrated every single year with the same careful dedication, tremendous enthusiasm, and powerful national feelings is undoubtedly April 23rd. On this meaningful occasion, flags are hung from balconies and along neighborhood streets, while the cheerful, laughing voices of young children spread joyfully throughout entire communities. This wonderful and heartwarming scene, combined beautifully with the fresh atmosphere of spring, offers individuals from all ages one of the most colorful and memorable days of the entire calendar year. Behind all of this visible excitement lies a powerful, inspiring story that represents a true turning point in the history of this nation. Let us now travel together back to the year 1920 and carefully examine the complete story of April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day from its very beginning.

A New Beginning 

The remarkable story of National Sovereignty and Children's Day began on April 23rd, 1920, with an incredibly important and courageous step taken in the city of Ankara that would ultimately change the entire destiny of a nation forever. During a very difficult period when İstanbul was under foreign military occupation and deep uncertainty had spread across every corner of the country, the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye was officially opened in Ankara. This opening became a significant milestone, marking the precise moment when ordinary citizens took their own will and destiny into their own capable hands for the very first time in many years.

The newly formed assembly, convened under the wise and courageous leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, quickly became the central heart of the national struggle for the Turkish people who desperately wished to end the prevailing uncertainty. Both legislative powers and executive authorities were gathered together under a single roof for the first time, and a strong, functional structure was created from which the War of Independence would be effectively directed. The critical decisions made here determined the entire direction of the War of Independence.

Exactly one year after the opening of the assembly, that is to say, on April 23rd, 1921, this profoundly meaningful day was officially recognized and declared as a national holiday, becoming the very first modern national celebration of Türkiye. With this important and symbolic date, the long years of difficult struggle also gained a lasting and inspiring value. From that moment forward, April 23rd was written into the history books as the unforgettable day when a nation finally began to write its own destiny freely and independently.

A Holiday Dedicated Entirely to Children

One of the most remarkable and heartwarming parts of this entire story began with a decision that was made many years after. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was a wise and visionary leader who genuinely believed that the future of any country would be shaped by the small but powerful hands of young children. With this sincere and hopeful belief, nine years after the establishment of the parliament , specifically in the year 1929,  he decided to give this day to the children, who represent the bright future of the entire nation. Since that very special day, April 23rd has also become a lasting symbol of entrusting the future lovingly to the care and dreams of children.

April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day also holds a precious distinction. It is officially recognized as the first and only holiday in the entire world that is dedicated specifically and exclusively to children. When UNESCO declared 1979 as the "International Year of Children," this celebration gained an even wider international recognition. Today, April 23rd continues to be celebrated joyfully as a worldwide occasion where children from many different countries come together in unity.

Celebrations and Traditions

When April 23rd is mentioned, the tremendous excitement and deep feeling of national gratitude that come to mind are brought back to life every single year without exception. The beautiful flags hung carefully from windows and balconies, the heartfelt poems, the carefully organized performances, and the national anthems sung loudly together by joyful crowds, these are the very elements that keep this shared national memory vibrantly alive for generations to come.

One of the most meaningful and beloved traditions of this special day is when children symbolically take over state offices and positions of authority. For just one day, young children sit comfortably in the chairs of the president, ministers, or mayors, and they openly share their innocent and hope‑filled dreams about the future of the country with the adult world. These smile‑filled, heartwarming moments created naturally on the happy faces of children remind every individual once again of the true message of this wonderful holiday: this beautiful nation will rise proudly on the shoulders of children who dare to dream boldly.

A Sweet Holiday Effort for Little Chefs

Would you like your beloved child to participate in an entertaining and educational workshop on April 23rd where they can both have a wonderful time and discover new and creative things? As the caring Elite World Hotels & Resorts family, we warmly invite you and your little ones to a special event that is designed to keep genuine smiles on children's faces all day long while combining the joy of the national holiday with the entertaining and warm world of the kitchen.

We are happily organizing a delightful Cupcake Workshop for young children at the following hotels: Elite World İstanbul Florya, Elite World Van, Elite World İstanbul Taksim, Elite World Comfy İstanbul Taksim, Elite World Grand Sapanca, Elite World Grand İstanbul Basın Ekspres, and Elite World Grand İstanbul Küçükyalı. By bringing together simple ingredients like flour and sugar along with unlimited imagination, we prepare unforgettable moments during which our little junior chefs will learn the entire cupcake‑making process joyfully. While preparing their very own cupcakes, your child will freely express their natural creativity and spend quality time together with other children of the same age.

This lovely event, which our honored guests staying at our hotels can attend completely free of charge, is also open to individuals who are not staying overnight at the accommodation. Children between the ages of 4 and 10 may participate individually, while little ones under the age of 4 can join this sweet baking adventure accompanied by you. If you wish to reserve your place in this workshop, which we carefully plan in groups of 10 or 20 individuals, and make April 23rd truly unforgettable for your children, please feel free to contact Elite World Hotels & Resorts.

Entertainment and Learning All Together: KidZania İstanbul Elite World Hotel

As Elite World Hotels & Resorts, while offering entertaining activities for children, we also prioritize contributing to their development. Through our collaboration with KidZania İstanbul, children discover by experiencing the fascinating world of tourism directly. By taking on many different tasks, from restaurant service to room preparation, they both have genuine fun and gain a valuable sense of responsibility. Throughout this wonderful process, the natural development of truly important human values such as teamwork, mutual respect, and self‑confidence is also actively encouraged.

With its deep and trusted experience, Elite World Hotels & Resorts is always ready to inspire the caring tourism ambassadors of the future and to contribute to their discovery of their own potential.