April 23 Holiday Celebrates Turkish Heritage and Culture

Morris County Commissioners Tayfun Selen and Deborah Smith hosted a group of students and other guests at their offices in Morristown last week in recognition of National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, an annual holiday observed in Turkey every April 23.

View Photos from the Special Event

Students and parents of the Ataturk School of New York, joined by Principal Tülay Taşkent and Reyhan Özgür, the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey to New York, were welcomed by Commissioners Selen and Smith in the Board of County Commissioners’ public meeting room.

Commissioner Selen, who was born in Turkey, spoke about the significance of National Sovereignty and Children’s Day before presenting a proclamation to Ms. Taşkent and her students. In keeping with the holiday’s tradition, the children also took turns pretending to be public officials, sitting in the Commissioner’s meeting room chairs and asking questions to learn about the responsibilities of working in public service.

As a parting gift, the students and guests were given a children’s book called “The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland,” a publication of the National Association of Counties. They were also provided with pins and stickers bearing the Morris County crest. In return, the Commissioners received an honorary plaque and a painting depicting red tulips, Turkey’s national flower.

The event served as a celebration of Turkish independence and Turkish heritage as well as the universal importance of children's rights and sovereignty. It also helped to foster understanding and appreciation of the values shared between Turkey and the United States.

The proclamation presented by the Commissioners acknowledged the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and the establishment of April 23rd as National Sovereignty and Children's Day, while emphasizing the importance of Turkish-American relations and the contributions of Americans of Turkish descent to Morris County.

Read the full proclamation transcript below.

"Whereas, the Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923 as an independent and sovereign nation, and April 23 was established as Turkey’s “National Sovereignty Day” because it was that day in 1920 that the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was founded and launched Turkey’s independence movement; and

Whereas, April 23 also had been celebrated at the time as a day for children, and Turkey became the first nation in the world to formally declare “Children’s Day” as a national holiday, eventually combining the celebration with its independence festivities by declaring April 23 as “National Sovereignty and Children's Day;” and

Whereas, the children of Turkey and adults have traditionally celebrated April 23 with music and large festivals, and by decorating schools with national flags and handmade ornaments; and

Whereas, the traditional celebration in Turkey also has included inviting children to ceremonially replace local and high-ranking officials in the nation, from the mayors and president to the cabinet ministers, provincial governors and members of the Grand National Assembly, which convenes a special session annually to discuss matters concerning children's issues; and

Whereas, Turkey has allied with the United States to work toward peace, prosperity and stability in the region and Turkey has become an integral part of Europe through its membership in NATO and the Council of Europe; and

Whereas, Americans of Turkish descent have made Morris County their home over the decades, sharing their rich heritage while playing a significant role in the educational, cultural, economic and civic development of our community; and

Whereas, since the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization proclaimed 1979 as the “International Year of the Child” and the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation organized the first International April 23 Children's Festival, children from about 50 nations have been traveling annually to Turkey each April 23rd to join “National Sovereignty and Children's Day” festivities, which include interacting with Turkish children and their families to learn about each other's countries and cultures.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, by the Board of County Commissioners, Morris County, New Jersey, that April 23, 2024 be declared “National Sovereignty and Children’s Day” in Morris County in solidarity with our Turkish friends, neighbors and family members and to promote a worldwide fraternity."