May 19: Atatürk Commemoration and Youth & Sports Day The arrival of Atatürk in Samsun, and the beginning of the War of Independence It is one of Turkey’s national festival.

Following the years of decline the Ottoman Empire entered the world war in an alliance with Germany in 1914 in which it was ultimatelly defeated. After the western power sought to partition the empire through the Treaty of Sevres. With the help of Allies Greece had occupied Izmir as provided in the treaty. On 19 May 1919, this prompted the beginning of a nationalist movement under the command of Atatürk. He sought to revolve the terms of the treaties signed by the sultan in İstanbul. Then he went to Samsun (one of the city in Turkey) and started the war of Independence.

The Commemoration of Atatürk on May 19, which marks the day the former leader began the war of independence in 1919, is also known as Youth and Sports Day. Schools hold sports competitions on this day.

Students celebrate the festival at school. I they want, teenagers go to stadium to watch the festival display. Folk dancers dance traditional folk dances.