May 19th: Honoring Legacy and Youthful Spirit in Turkey

On May 19th, Turkey celebrates a unique combination of remembrance and youthful spirit with Atatürk Commemoration, Youth and Sports Day.


This public holiday was established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, to inspire the country's youth and to honor his own achievements. The date holds significance as it commemorates the start of the Turkish War of Independence in 1919, which Atatürk led.

Atatürk is more than just a historical figure in Turkey; he's seen as a symbol of progressive values and modernization. His reforms transformed the remnants of the Ottoman Empire into a modern, democratic, and secular nation-state.

On this day, Turkish people across the country and the world remember Atatürk's contributions and celebrate the energy and potential of young people. The streets of cities and towns across Turkey are filled with parades, performances, and sporting events. Schools host ceremonies where students receive awards for academic achievement and athletics. In the evening, stadiums and performance venues light up with concerts and other festivities.

While the day focuses on the youth, it's a national celebration that brings together all generations. From the biggest cities to the smallest villages, everyone joins in to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.


Some historic events in arts and sciences that took place on May 19th:

Science

In 1961, Venera 1, a Soviet space probe, flew past Venus. However, contact with the probe was lost before it could deliver any data.

In 1996, the Space Shuttle Endeavour completed its mission STS-77, which was notable for including the first Canadian woman in space, Julie Payette.

In 1983, the first discovery of a planet outside our solar system was made. This planet orbits the star Gamma Cephei.

In 2009, the Kepler Space Telescope, designed to discover Earth-like planets orbiting other stars, was launched.


Arts

In 1897, the play "Cyrano de Bergerac" by Edmond Rostand premiered in Paris. This play has become one of the most popular plays in the French language.

In 1946, André the Giant, the French professional wrestler and actor, was born. He was one of the most popular wrestlers in the world and also appeared in the film "The Princess Bride."

In 1999, "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace", directed by George Lucas, was released. It was the first new Star Wars film in 16 years.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Harmony of Holidays: Eid al-Adha, National Days, and Revolutionary Remembrance on June 30

Image
June 30th sparks diverse celebrations worldwide - from religious feasts of Eid al-Adha to National Payer Day, Army Day, and commemorations of historical revolutions. Let's delve into these vibrant celebrations and historical contexts. Eid al-Adha In several countries including Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, the Philippines, Qatar, and Turkey, the second day of Eid al-Adha continues. This Festival of Sacrifice is a significant Islamic holiday honoring Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Community prayers, meals, and gift-giving are typical traditions. Central African Republic - National Payer Day In the Central African Republic, June 30th is dedicated to prayer. On National Payer Day, citizens come together in churches and mosques across the country, praying for peace and prosperity. Congo DR - National Holiday The Democratic Republic of Congo marks June 30th as t...
Read more

A Global Tapestry of Tradition: Eid al-Adha, Internal Autonomy Day, Imnarja, and Feast Days of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29

Image
On June 29, a multitude of countries and communities come together in celebration. From the religious observations of Eid al-Adha to the celebration of autonomy, and the recognition of saints, let's take a journey around the world. Eid al-Adha In many Muslim-majority countries, Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is observed. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Feasts, charitable acts, and family gatherings characterize this holiday, with variations of the celebration known as Kurban Bajrami, Tabaski, Aid el-Kebir, and more in different cultures. French Polynesia - Internal Autonomy Day June 29 is a significant date for French Polynesia, marking Internal Autonomy Day. This day celebrates the region's unique cultural identity and its autonomy within the French Republic. Festivities include traditional music, dance, and parades. Malta - The Imnarja On the Mediterranean island of Malta, lo...
Read more

Unity in Diversity: Army Day, Arafat Day, Vidovdan, and Constitution Day Around the World on June 28

Image
The world is an assortment of cultures, traditions, and historical events. On June 28, we journey through a global display of holidays from Armenia's Army Day to Arafat Day in various countries and more. Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Libya, Turkey - Arafat Day In several countries, Arafat Day is observed on this day. Named after Mount Arafat in Mecca, it's an essential part of the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims worldwide reflect upon the sermon of the Prophet Muhammad on this day and seek forgiveness for their sins. Armenia - Army Day Armenia celebrates Army Day as a testament to its military strength and patriotism. It's a day of tribute to the soldiers who serve their country with courage and devotion. Ceremonies, parades, and public speeches mark this day, fostering a strong sense of national pride. Serbia - Vidovdan In Serbia, Vidovdan or St. Vitus Day commemorates the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. It's a day of great historical significance, marked by various cultural and ...
Read more