Northern Cyprus Celebrates Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day on May 19

May 19 is celebrated across Northern Cyprus as Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day. This year marks the 106th anniversary of the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence, which started with the arrival of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Samsun. Commemorative events are taking place in every district of the TRNC.

The “Week of Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports – May 19,” organized by the Ministry of National Education, began with the lighting of the Youth Torch and featured various activities throughout the country over the past week.

On the day of the national holiday itself, May 19, official ceremonies are being held in Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Güzelyurt, İskele, Lefke, and Akdoğan.

Day’s Opening
The celebrations began at 08:00 with a national address by Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, broadcast on BRT.

Ceremonies by City

Nicosia
The official ceremony began at 09:00 with a wreath-laying at the Atatürk Monument, followed by a flag-raising, a moment of silence, and the national anthem.
As part of the commemoration, the Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia, Ali Murat Başçeri, presented TRNC President Ersin Tatar with soil brought from Anıtkabir — the mausoleum of Atatürk in Ankara.

At 18:00, the “106th Anniversary March” will take place, featuring students and teachers from schools and universities in Nicosia, along with representatives from sports federations, clubs, civil society organizations, and members of the public.

Famagusta
The ceremony began at 09:30 at the Victory Monument.
Following the wreath-laying, a moment of silence, and the national anthem, flags were raised. Before the ceremony, students marched to the monument under the slogan: “We move toward the future with Atatürk’s light.”

Kyrenia
The event at the Atatürk bust began at 08:30 with the traditional ceremonial program: wreath-laying, moment of silence, national anthem, and flag-raising. A poem was recited, and a speech was delivered highlighting the significance of the day.
At 18:00, a commemorative march will take place from Ramadan Cemil Square to the Atatürk bust.

Güzelyurt
The official ceremony was held at 09:00 in front of the Atatürk Monument.

İskele
The celebration is being held at 09:30 in Ecevit Square at the Atatürk Monument.
Before the ceremony, students from Bekirpaşa Secondary School paraded to the square accompanied by a marching band.

Lefke
The ceremony took place at the Atatürk Monument.
After a moment of silence, flower-laying, and the national anthem, the flags were raised. Students from Cengiz Topel Vocational High School also recited poems as part of the program.