The ’23 April Children’s Day’ Atatürk Era Photo Exhibition Opens

The ‘Atatürk Era 23 April Children’s Day Ceremony Photo Exhibition’ opened to mark April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.  President Ersin Tatar, along with Girne Mayor Murat Şenkul, organization officials, and students attended the opening held at the Girne Municipality Art Gallery at 10:30 on Tuesday.

The program began with the ribbon-cutting by Tatar and students, followed by opening speeches by Exhibition Coordinator Esen Yalın Aktoprak, Akkule Service Association President Hülya Özüahmet, and Exhibition Curator Deniz Güngör. Later, a poetry recitation by Zeynep Eslem Yorulmaz and Ela Kaplan from the 23 April Primary School took place. Following the poetry recitations, Girne Mayor Murat Şenkul and President Ersin Tatar each delivered a speech.

Hosted by Girne Municipality and in collaboration with Akkule Service Association, the exhibition features 30 photographs from the archives of Eriş Ülger, depicting the ’23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day’ ceremonies held in various cities of Turkey between 1920 and 1942.

The exhibition at the Girne Municipality Art Gallery can be visited free of charge on April 17, 18, 19, 22, 24, and 25 between 09:00 and 16:00.

700 Students To Visit Exhibition

Girne Municipality Culture and Art Branch Directorate said that approximately 700 students will visit the exhibition in a co-ordinated manner during the exhibition period. As part of the student visit program, supported by Girne Municipality’s transportation, students from 10 schools will visit the exhibition on different days.

Mayor Şenkul: “The Love of Cypriots For Atatürk is Great”

Girne Mayor Murat Şenkul expressed his thanks to everyone involved and participating in the exhibition. Şenkul recalled that April 23 is an important day he eagerly awaited in his childhood, saying, “I remember Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with respect and longing once again.” Pointing out that April 23 is a special day gifted to all the children of the world by Atatürk, Şenkul noted that in Girne today, just as envisaged by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, children from many countries of the world celebrate this special day.

Emphasizing how great the love of Cypriot Turks for Atatürk is, Şenkul highlighted the importance of such organizations in raising individuals who embrace Atatürk’s principles and reforms, even those who come from foreign countries and consider this place their homeland.

President Tatar: 

Starting his words by expressing his great happiness to be present at the event held on the occasion of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, President Ersin Tatar thanked Eriş Ülger, the architect of the organization, and all contributors. Reminding that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk gifted this special day to all the children of the world on April 23, 1920, the founding day of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Tatar underlined that they saw in the photos the growth and development period of the Republic of Turkey rising from its ashes and the reflection of this excitement on children.

Extending his appreciation and respect to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and all his comrades, Tatar also advised the children present at the opening to follow the path of Atatürk and to emphasize the importance of following his principles and reforms.

Source (Turkish): Girne Municipality