Ankara, May 19, 2025 — The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a message commemorating Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Republic of Türkiye and the pivotal role of youth in shaping the nation’s future.
The message, shared by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate on social media platform X on Monday, underscored the historical and national significance of May 19 — the day in 1919 when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic, arrived in Samsun to initiate the Turkish War of Independence.
“We are protecting the homeland and the Republic—sacred legacies entrusted to us by our ancestors—and we are taking steps to advance and elevate the Republic of Türkiye, which will endure forever, in every field,” President Erdogan stated.
Reflecting on the theme of youth empowerment, Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye’s young people are both the architects of the future and a driving force of progress. “I truly believe that with their energy, determination, and dreams—carrying the legacy of our civilization in their hearts—our youth will leave a defining mark on our era as the ‘Century of Türkiye,’” he said.
The president further stressed the government’s dedication to removing obstacles that hinder progress and productivity. “In the construction of Türkiye’s future, we solve and permanently eliminate any problem that would waste the energy of our youth and the country’s resources through fruitless discussions,” he noted.
President Erdogan affirmed that the government is committed to providing the youth with opportunities across a wide spectrum of fields. “From science to art, sports to agriculture, diplomacy to nuclear technologies—we offer platforms for our youth to discover their potential and realize our shared ideal of a great and powerful Türkiye,” he said.
He pledged continued support for all young individuals who remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence, resilience, and the desire to honor the civilizational heritage passed down from their forefathers.
“By crediting our youth for every success that has made Türkiye a central and rising power, we will maintain our determination to work harder and achieve more,” he added.
President Erdogan also paid tribute to “all the heroes of our War of Independence, Gazi Mustafa Kemal in particular,” commemorating their sacrifices in establishing the modern Turkish state.
Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, a national holiday first dedicated by Atatürk in 1938, is celebrated across Türkiye with sporting events, cultural programs, and official ceremonies honoring the role of youth in safeguarding and advancing the nation’s values.
