Why We Celebrate This Day and Brief History
May 19 marks a significant date in Turkish history. On this day in 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye and its first president, arrived in the port city of Samsun on the Black Sea coast. His arrival marked the beginning of the War of Independence against occupying forces following the end of World War I. Under Atatürk’s leadership, the Turkish people successfully repelled all foreign powers from their soil, paving the way for the establishment of a progressive, secular, and modern republic. From that moment on, the Turkish nation came together, for the first time, to celebrate a shared sense of identity and purpose. In recognition of the vital role of young people in safeguarding the Republic’s future, May 19 has been designated as “Youth and Sports Day.”
The Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) commemorates Atatürk’s message to the Turkish youth, which he delivered at the conclusion of his renowned, 36-hour-long speech, Nutuk.
The ATAA extends its best wishes to Turks and Turkish Americans, both at home and abroad, on this day of tribute to Atatürk and to the energy and optimism of youth everywhere.
M. Kemal Atatürk delivering his famous six‐day speech (Nutuk) at the General Congress of the Republican People’s Party, October 15–20, 1927.
“I’d like to direct my last words specifically to the youngsters of our homeland. Turkish Youth! You add on to and carry on our confidence. With the discipline and virtue you gain, you’ll be the most valuable reflection of humanity, love of homeland, and freedom of opinion. You, arising new generation! The future is yours. We formed the Republic; you’ll make it live on…” M. Kemal Atatürk
