nPosted on May 19, 2019
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nAnother name for Turkey’s May 19 holiday is the Commemoration of Atatürk. Atatürk means “Father of the Turks,” and it refers to Mustafa Kemal, Founder of Turkey. Kemal landed in the coastal city of Samsun, on May 19, 1919, to start the War of Independence.
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nIndependence from who? you may be wondering…
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nWell, the Ottoman Empire (aka Turkish Empire) was one of the losers in World War I, and so the various lands that were part of the Ottoman Empire had been partitioned up (in other words, divided up) and were occupied by the Allies (the nations on the winning side of the war).
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n(Above, the map at the beginning of World War I; below, the map after that war.)
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nSo, basically independence from occupying forces from Greece, Armenia, France, the United Kingdom (Britain), and Italy.
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nThe public holiday is a day off work for almost everyone, and a day off of school for students (but this year falls on a Sunday, on the weekend, so many people already have the day off!).
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nSporting events are held during the day, and some students give presentations or put on programs.
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nHere are some spectacular things to see in Turkey:
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nGrand Bazaar:
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nBasilica Cistern:
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nMosques:
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nCappadocia Mountains:
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nHot springs and pools:
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nEtc., etc.!!!
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nAlso on this date:
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nAnniversary of a dark day
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nMay Ray Day
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nHoliday of Poetry in Turkmenistan
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nBirthday of the Ringling Brothers Circus
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nMalcolm X Day
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nNational Scooter Day
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nBirthday of Bacteriologist / Immunologist Ruth Ella Moore
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nBirthday of Resistance hero Tina Strobos
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nBay to Breakers Race
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n(Third Sunday in May)
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(Varying Dates)
(Varying Dates)
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nPlan ahead:
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Check out my Pinterest boards for:
Check out my Pinterest boards for:
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nMay holidays
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nMay birthdays
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nHistorical anniversaries in May
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nAnd here are my Pinterest boards for:
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nJune holidays
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nJune birthdays
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nHistorical anniversaries in June
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