Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday marked the commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day. In a message shared by Trkiye's Communications Directorate on X, Erdogan underscored the historical significance of May 19, marking the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, in 1919.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, Erdogan emphasized that he sees Turkish youth not only as the architects of the future, but also as a driving force of change. He expressed his belief that with their energy, determination, and dreams, carrying the legacy of "our civilization in their hearts," the Turkish youth will leave a defining mark "on our era as the 'Century of Trkiye.'"

In constructing Trkiye's future, Erdogan declared that they are resolving and permanently eliminating any problem that would waste the energy of Turkish youth and the country's resources through "fruitless discussions." He highlighted their commitment to fulfilling promises to leave the youth a peaceful, high-tech, and prosperous country.

Erdogan noted that opportunities are being offered for youth to discover their potential in various fields, including science, art, sports, agriculture, diplomacy, and nuclear technologies. He expressed a commitment to walking "hand in hand and arm in arm" with the youth to realize the ideal of a great and powerful Trkiye.

The president also affirmed that they will continue to support all Turkish youth who work tirelessly towards their goals, aiming to further glorify the civilizational heritage inherited from their forefathers. He credited the youth for every success of Trkiye, which he described as a central country that has strengthened its position with the steps taken.

Erdogan commemorated "all the heroes of our War of Independence, Gazi Mustafa Kemal in particular," recognizing May 19, 1919, as the significant day when Ataturk arrived in the Black Sea city of Samsun from Istanbul to launch the war that eventually transformed the nation into modern Trkiye.

In 1938, Ataturk dedicated May 19 to the youth of the Turkish nation as Youth and Sports Day-a national holiday that sees young people engage in sporting and cultural activities with official ceremonies across the country.