April 23 is the day when sovereignty no longer vested in one person but with the will of the people

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Education faculty member Assist. Prof. Dr. Belgin Parlakyıldız pointed out the importance of April 23, and said, "Today is the day when sovereignty passed from one person to the will of the people with the opening of the Parliament."

Assist. Prof. Dr. Parlakyıldız said that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk proclaimed April 23 as a national holiday and dedicated this day not only to the Turkish children but also to the children of the world. Parlakyıldız noted that this is the only special day that children enjoy around the world.

Stating that the Turkish people declared their sovereignty with the opening of the First Grand National Assembly on April 23, 1920, Parlakyıldız said, "Atatürk not only dedicated this day to the children but in 1933 started the tradition of making children take his seat in remembrance of Children’s Day. This tradition is still practiced today."

Assist. Prof. Dr. Parlakyıldız went on to say that April 23, National Sovereignty and Children's Day, being the only holiday dedicated to children around the world, indicates the love, brotherhood, and trust that the Republic of Turkey has for the children of the world.

Parlakyıldız concluded by stating that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk saw children as the future and pride of the country, and in closing said "I wholeheartedly congratulate the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day of Atatürk's Children."