nPosted on May 19, 2019
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nAnother name for Turkey’s May 19 holiday is the Commemoration of Atatürk. Atatürk means “Father of the Turks,” and it refers to Mustafa Kemal, Founder of Turkey. Kemal landed in the coastal city of Samsun, on May 19, 1919, to start the War of Independence.
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nIndependence from who? you may be wondering…
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nWell, the Ottoman Empire (aka Turkish Empire) was one of the losers in World War I, and so the various lands that were part of the Ottoman Empire had been partitioned up (in other words, divided up) and were occupied by the Allies (the nations on the winning side of the war).
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n(Above, the map at the beginning of World War I; below, the map after that war.)
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nSo, basically independence from occupying forces from Greece, Armenia, France, the United Kingdom (Britain), and Italy.
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nThe public holiday is a day off work for almost everyone, and a day off of school for students (but this year falls on a Sunday, on the weekend, so many people already have the day off!).
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For the past 10 days, young Turkish athletes have been carrying the national flag from Samsun (where Atatürk started the push for independence) to Ankara (the capital city). The route is more than 400 kilometers (about 250 miles). Today that flag is presented to Turkey’s president.
For the past 10 days, young Turkish athletes have been carrying the national flag from Samsun (where Atatürk started the push for independence) to Ankara (the capital city). The route is more than 400 kilometers (about 250 miles). Today that flag is presented to Turkey’s president. n
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nSporting events are held during the day, and some students give presentations or put on programs.
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Atatürk is celebrated today as if it were his birthday (Kemal’s birthdate is unknown). People lay wreaths on the monuments of this Founding Father, and many people hand Turkish flags outside their windows.
Atatürk is celebrated today as if it were his birthday (Kemal’s birthdate is unknown). People lay wreaths on the monuments of this Founding Father, and many people hand Turkish flags outside their windows.n
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nHere are some spectacular things to see in Turkey:
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nGrand Bazaar:
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nBasilica Cistern:
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nMosques:
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nCappadocia Mountains:
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nHot springs and pools:
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nEtc., etc.!!!
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nAlso on this date:
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nAnniversary of a dark day
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nMay Ray Day
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nHoliday of Poetry in Turkmenistan
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nBirthday of the Ringling Brothers Circus
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nMalcolm X Day
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nNational Scooter Day
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nBirthday of Bacteriologist / Immunologist Ruth Ella Moore
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nBirthday of Resistance hero Tina Strobos
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nBay to Breakers Race
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n(Third Sunday in May)
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Vesak in Indonesia and India
(Varying Dates)
Vesak in Indonesia and India(Varying Dates)
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nPlan ahead:
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Check out my Pinterest boards for:
Check out my Pinterest boards for:
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nMay holidays
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nMay birthdays
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nHistorical anniversaries in May
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nAnd here are my Pinterest boards for:
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nJune holidays
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nJune birthdays
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nHistorical anniversaries in June
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