Istanbul - Event

Every 19 May, dignitaries, politicians and military leaders celebrate the historic arrival of Ataturk at Samsun - the event that marked the beginning of Turkey's War of Independence in 1919.

Rousing ceremonies are held in Ankara, Samsun, Istanbul and other major cities throughout the country. According to tradition, Turkish athletes carry the Turkish flag ashore at the Samsun harbour. Memorial wreaths are laid in Anitkabir, the site of Ataturk's mausoleum.

Elsewhere, the Turkish national anthem is sung and speeches are made urging Turkish youth - "the children of Turkish Independence" - to respect democracy and peace.