Youth, Atatürk Day celebrated in Turkey
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Thousands gather in the Şişli district of Istanbul, decorated with Turkish flags and Atatürk posters for the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. DAILY NEWS photo, Emrah GÜREL
Thousands gather in the Şişli district of Istanbul, decorated with Turkish flags and Atatürk posters for the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.The Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day was celebrated across the country today at official ceremonies. Thousands of people gathered in Istanbul’s Şişli and marched to the iconic Taksim Square holding Turkish flags.
Istanbul province’s Sport Department organized the official ceremony in Taksim Square. The Youth Services and Sports Province Department and the Republican People’s Party (CHP) placed a wreath on the Atatürk monument.
CHP provincial head Oğuz Kaan Salıcı criticized the ceremony for being too short. A group calling themselves “GençTürk” (young Turk) gathered in the Tünel square at end of İstiklal Avenue with a slogan of “Atatürk is calling you! Crazy Turks in Taksim on May 19.”
The group chanted slogans such as “We are Turk, pro-Turk and pro-Atatürk,” referring the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, according to Anatolia news agency. After standing in silence and singing the national anthem, the group wanted to march to Taksim Square. The police did not permit it, and the group dispersed after a quarrel with the police.
Many gathered in the Sıhhiye Square of Ankara as security forces took tight measures. Many people in the Aegean provinces of İzmir and Muğla celebrated May 19 while the participation in Denizli was very low. May 19 was celebrated in the Dağkapı Square in the southeastern province of Diyarbakır, marking the first celebration outside the stadium in the city
