19.05.2026 08:40
The independence march initiated by the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk when he set foot in Samsun on May 19, 1919, changed the destiny of the Turkish nation. That historic day, when an occupied nation rose from its ashes, continues to be lived with the same faith and spirit despite the 107 years that have passed.
107 years have passed since the National Struggle began with the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s landing in Samsun on May 19, 1919. This historic day, when the Turkish nation ignited the torch of independence, was not only the start of a liberation movement but also the symbol of the nation’s will rising up.
During the period when the Ottoman Empire was under heavy occupation conditions following the Armistice of Mudros, the spirit of resistance began to sprout across Anatolia. Mustafa Kemal Pasha’s landing in Samsun went down in history as the first step that transformed this resistance into an organized struggle for liberation.
THE DAY THAT CHANGED THE FATE OF THE TURKISH NATION
May 19, 1919 is accepted as the starting date of the Turkish nation's struggle for independence. This date, a symbol of the resistance rising against occupying forces, the sultanate regime, and the mentality of submission, became the first spark of the epic struggle that would begin in Anatolia.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk began his work "Nutuk" (The Speech), penned years later, with the following words:
"I landed in Samsun on the 19th day of May, 1919."
These words were etched into memory not only as the announcement of a date but also as the declaration of the rebirth of a nation that would rise again.
HE SET OUT NOT JUST FOR A MISSION, BUT FOR A NATION
When Mustafa Kemal Pasha was sent to Samsun as the Inspector of the 9th Army with broad powers, his apparent duty was to suppress the unrest in the region. However, he had a much greater goal in mind: to establish an independent Turkish state based on unconditional national sovereignty.
At a time when hopes were fading in an occupied country, Atatürk’s landing in Samsun gave the Turkish nation the courage to rise again. The liberation fire that started in Anatolia quickly spread across the entire country.
ATATÜRK'S GREATEST GIFT TO TURKISH YOUTH
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk entrusted this historic step taken by the Turkish nation on the path to independence to the youth. For this reason, May 19 is not only a date but also a symbol of the trust placed in the youth.
First celebrated in Samsun in 1926 as "Gazi Day", the holiday gained official status as "Atatürk Day" in 1935. Celebrations held at Fenerbahçe Stadium under the leadership of Beşiktaş Gymnastics Club turned into a grand sports festival with the participation of athletes from Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe.
Later, at the Sports Congress, upon the proposal of Beşiktaş Founding Member Ahmet Fetgeri Aşeni, it was accepted to dedicate the holiday to all youth. Following the regulation enacted with Atatürk’s approval, May 19 was named "Youth and Sports Day".
After the 1980 coup, the holiday's name was changed to its current form: "May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day".
THE SPIRIT OF MAY 19 LIVES ACROSS ALL OF TURKEY FOR 107 YEARS
Despite the passage of 107 years, the meaning carried by May 19 is preserved as on the first day. The spirit of independence continues to be kept alive through ceremonies, marches, and youth events held across Turkey, especially in the capital Ankara, and in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Turkish youth continue to carry this meaningful day entrusted by Atatürk into the future with the same determination and the same faith.