Celebrating National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in North Cyprus

From April 17 to 23, North Cyprus will celebrate National Sovereignty and Children’s Day with a week full of vibrant events, including official ceremonies, exhibitions, competitions, and concerts across the country.

This year marks the 105th anniversary of the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, a powerful symbol of the Turkish nation's independence and sovereignty.

Opening Ceremony

Festivities began with a ceremonial parade from the Atatürk bust to the Presidential Garden, where participants were welcomed by President Ersin Tatar. The parade then continued to the Republic’s Assembly, where the week’s official opening took place at 11:00 AM.

Atatürk Children’s Art Exhibition

Also on the eve of the celebrations, the 4th Atatürk Children’s Art Exhibition opened its doors. You can visit the exhibition between April 17–23 at the Central Culture and Events Hall in Nicosia (Open Market).

Competitions & Festivals

• Friday, April 18 – 10:00 AM
  Atatürk Stadium, Nicosia
  The 4th Short Distance Running Competition for 4th and 5th grade students will be held. Winners will receive awards.

• Friday, April 18 – 6:00 PM
  Amphitheatre, Güzelyurt Festival Area
  The first-ever “Stars on Stage” Music and Dance Festival will take place.

• Saturday, April 19 – 9:00 AM
  Yakın Doğu RA25 Sports Hall, Nicosia
  The 2nd Basketball Festival will be held.

• Monday, April 21 – 9:30 AM
  Famagusta Arena
  The final matches of the 3rd Champions-Angels Volleyball Cup will take place, followed by an award ceremony.

New Additions for 2024

This year introduces two exciting new events:

• The Children’s Athletics Festival
  İskele Cumhuriyet Stadium

• The Young Inventors’ Science Festival
  Girne 23 Nisan Primary School

Official Student Delegation Visit

On Tuesday, April 22, a delegation of 17 students from across the country will take part in official visits, meeting with:

• Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu

• Speaker of the Assembly Ziya Öztürkler

• Prime Minister Ünal Üstel

• President Ersin Tatar

Students will represent various districts:
5 from Nicosia, 3 each from Famagusta, Kyrenia, and İskele, 2 from Lefke, and 1 from Güzelyurt.

Official State Ceremony

April 22 – 9:00 AM
Atatürk Monument, Lefkoşa
A formal wreath-laying ceremony will take place in honor of the day.

School & Community Celebrations

Throughout the week, schools and districts across North Cyprus will host various events, from concerts and exhibitions to competitions and creative activities, all dedicated to celebrating National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.