The program for celebrating the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day in TRNC has been released

In Northern Cyprus, the 105th anniversary of the liberation struggle, initiated by the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with his journey to Samsun, will be commemorated on May 19th, which is Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day. Festive events and ceremonies will take place across the country.

As a reminder, events marking this significant date began on May 14th and will continue until the celebration itself on May 19th.

According to the Ministry's information, as part of the ceremonies and events throughout the week, students will participate in festive processions, dance shows, sports, cultural, social, and environmental activities, and will also meet state and government officials.

TRNC Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu will deliver a speech on the significance and importance of this day on Sunday, May 19th, at 08:00 on radio and television. Wreath-laying ceremonies at Atatürk monuments will be held in all districts.

As part of the celebration, several sports events will take place. In particular, students will participate in a 3×3 basketball match for two days. The tournament will take place on May 15th and 16th in Central Nicosia (Open Market).

Additionally, on May 16th at 10:00, a handball tournament will begin, organized by students of middle and high schools in memory of Tolga Kınacı. The tournament will be held at the specialized handball club “Yükseliş” in Gönyeli.

On Friday, May 17th, at 09:00, a cycling tour “Riding into the Future with Your Light” will take place. Young people will travel by bicycles along urban routes created in all districts. The routes will be determined by the district municipalities. The start and end of the cycling tour in Nicosia will be in front of the Gönyeli Municipality.

Also on Friday, May 17th, students will participate in a beach volleyball tournament starting at 10:00 at the specialized handball club “Yükseliş” in Gönyeli.

On the same day at 10:00, there will be a “Walk Along the Traditional Long Path of Birkana - Climbing into the Future in Nature.” Students and teachers from regional schools in Nicosia, Kyrenia, and Güzelyurt will climb the hill of Birkans Uzun Selvili.

In addition to sports competitions, school students will visit government officials. According to the program, students will meet with the President of the Assembly of the Republic on Thursday, May 16th, at 09:30. Students will also meet with the Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu (at 10:00), the Commander of the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Major General Sezai Öztürk, the Director-General of Police Kasım Kuni, and the Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia Metin Feyzioğlu (at 12:00).

On Friday, May 17th, at 10:00, students will meet with the President of the Civil Defense Organization Atilla Karadoğa and the Commander of the Security Forces Major General Zorlu Topaloğlu. At 10:30, students will be received by TRNC President Ersin Tatar, and at 11:00, by the Prime Minister of the country, Ünal Üstel.

On the actual holiday, May 19th, at 9:00, a solemn ceremony will be held in front of the Atatürk monument. Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia Metin Feyzioğlu will present the TRNC President with soil brought from Anıtkabir.

Then, wreaths will be laid at the Atatürk monument, and flags will be raised. After a minute of silence, the National Anthem will be played.

On the same day, at 18:00, students and teachers from central schools in Nicosia, universities, federations under the Department of Sports, clubs, associations, and non-governmental organizations will participate in the “105th Anniversary” ceremony.

The procession will take place in Nicosia from Kyrenia Gate and the Atatürk monument to Dereboyu Avenue. After the procession arrives, there will be a concert by the security forces and the Nicosia Anatolian Fine Arts High School.

Read also: State holidays in Northern Cyprus