Thursday 23rd April is a significant day for many people - English and Turkish alike. 

On 23rd April 1564 William Shakespeare is said to have been born, and in 1616, on his 52nd birthday he died.  The 23rd April is also the date that some English people celebrate St George's Day.  We say some, because for whatever reason the celebrations do not seem to compare to St Andrew, St Patrick or St David.

However, in Turkey you can be sure that the 23rd April will be well and truly celebrated as National Sovereignty & Children's Day.  It commemorates the first meeting of the Turkish parliament in 1920, where Atatürk dedicated the day to the children of Turkey.  This is what is happening in Kalkan.

Locals are being encouraged to get out their national flags as a visible way of celebrating the 89th anniversary of the Turkish parliament.  If you have a Turkish flag, why not fly it.

In the morning
In the morning, just before 9 am, the children of Kalkan First School (Kalkan Ilköğretim Okulu), will walk down to the Atatürk memorial in town where they will join local dignitaries, including Mayor Saim Karakurt, in a brief service of remembrance and celebration. 

Following this, they will return to school, where there will be a programme of activities throughout the morning, to celebrate the day.  This will include a marching band, singing, guitar playing, traditional folk dancing and poetry readings.  Mayor Saim Karakurt will say a few words.

Everyone is welcome to go to the Atatürk memorial statue for 9 am or to the First School (the green school) shortly afterwards to watch the celebrations. 

In the evening
At 8 pm the children of Kalkan Nursery School, (Akdeniz Minikler Koleji), who are aged between 3 and 6, are putting on a small show of singing and dancing.  This will be at the Belediye Wedding Salon - just behind the bus station. 

There will also be an exhibition of work that the children have done this term.  Anyone can come along.