The Words of Our Ancestor That Best Express the Value That He Gave to Children
World history bears witness to the stories of numerous leaders who won wars, established states, and transformed the societies in which they lived. Yet none among them made that timeless gesture of carrying the essence of a republic to the purest core of society: crowning the declaration of sovereignty with a children’s holiday and thus restarting the revolution each year in an endless cycle.
“Oh, you rising new generation, the future belongs to you. We established the republic; it is you who will elevate and sustain it.” With these words, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk did not merely found a republic, he also entrusted it to children, who stand as the assurance of tomorrow, and in doing so, he announced to the entire world the profound value that he placed upon the children of our country. In his eyes, children were not simply members of a family; they represented the radiant future of a nation, embodiments of renewal possessing the strength and the heart to carry the republic upon their shoulders.
An Extraordinary Gift: April 23rd, National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
April 23rd, 1920, the day the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye opened, represents the moment when a nation unconditionally seized its own sovereignty. Yet today, we remember this date not merely as the day the assembly opened but rather as a children’s holiday. Declaring such a profoundly meaningful day as a holiday and presenting this holiday as a gift to children stands as the most tangible evidence of the deep affection and trust that Atatürk harbored for children.
“Love for children is a necessity for the love of humanity,” Atatürk expressed. Through both his words and his actions, he revealed that children are the most precious subjects of society. The pride of being the first and only nation in the world to bestow a holiday upon children makes it imperative that their value be understood collectively as a society as well.
The Unforgettable Words of Atatürk Directed Toward Children
Atatürk’s love for children and the importance that he placed upon them had manifested themselves in nearly every word that he spoke and indeed in every action that he took. Every statement that he addressed to children not only demonstrates their worth but also underscores once more just how invaluable children are to the society. Simultaneously, each statement represents a profound declaration of trust in children and in their role as carriers of the nation’s future.
Among Atatürk’s deeply meaningful words directed toward children are the following:
“Little ladies, little gentlemen! You are each a rose, a star, and a light of fortune for the future. It is you who will truly bathe the homeland in light. Reflect upon how significant and precious you are, and work accordingly. We expect so much from you.”
This particular statement clearly illustrates Atatürk’s approach to children. By addressing them as he would to adults, he demonstrates respect for the individuality of each child and honors their personhood. It emphasizes his unshakable conviction that it is self-confident, educated generations who will illuminate the future and dispel darkness. While offering guidance to children, he simultaneously conveys his hope and his expectations.
Another expression Atatürk offered concerning children is this: “Children must be protected from all forms of neglect and exploitation; under all circumstances, they must be treated with greater special consideration than adults.”
Raising contemporary and modern children is a responsibility that must be realized not only through education but also through state policies. With this statement, Atatürk emphasizes the protection of children’s rights as an obligation that must be fulfilled. By underscoring just how meticulously children should be safeguarded, he once again demonstrates the profound value that he places upon them.
“Nations whose children are not raised to be healthy and knowledgeable crumble quickly, much like buildings with flawed foundations.”
This sentence serves as a reminder of the fundamental basis for a society’s continuity. To invest in the future of Türkiye, it is not sufficient merely to educate children; they must also be raised as healthy individuals in both physical and spiritual terms. Loving children, showing them genuine interest, and providing them with the conditions that they deserve are all critically important for the future of an entire nation.
A Journey Through History in Atatürk Museum Room
Feeling Atatürk’s love for children and his personal world more closely helps us understand him on a much deeper level. One of the most powerful ways to strengthen one’s spiritual connection with Atatürk is to visit the spaces where his personal belongings reside and where his memories are deeply felt.
Room number 101 is known as the room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed and worked during his visits to İstanbul before taking up residence at Dolmabahçe Palace. Arranged as a museum room on the centenary of Atatürk’s birth, Room 101 displays his personal belongings, gifts that were sent to him, and newspapers from that era. This room serves as a sanctuary for the memories of Atatürk and the history of Türkiye.
You may visit this museum which is available to the public with its enchanting atmosphere that beautifully evokes the spirit of the period, together with your children to experience the essence of April 23rd in a more profound and meaningful way.
