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BODRUM MARKS 23 APRIL WITH DISTRICT-WIDE CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

24.04.2026

Bodrum marked 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day with a day-long programme of public celebrations held across the district.

The programme began in the morning with official ceremonies. A cortege march from the former coach station to Belediye Square was attended by Bodrum District Governor Ali Sırmalı, Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci, District Director of National Education Özcan Kuşcu, members of the district protocol, students and local residents. Following the wreath-laying ceremony at the Atatürk Monument, events continued at the Herodotus Cultural Centre with performances prepared by students.

As part of the long-standing 23 April tradition, the office of the Mayor of Bodrum was symbolically handed over to Zeynep Altınsayar, a pupil from Vedat Türkmen Secondary School. Joined by her classmates Hüdanur Koçoğlu, Elif Huri Türk and Elif Erdoğan, she shared her ideas and aspirations for Bodrum during the visit. The pupils were accompanied by school headteacher Mehmet Ünal and teacher Gönül Ay.

Celebrations continued throughout the day at several locations. The 28th Children’s Festival, organised in cooperation with the Bodrum branch of the Association for the Support of Contemporary Living (ÇYDD), was held at Umurca Park, where children took part in creative workshops, stage performances and competitions. In Turgutreis Atatürk Square, events organised by the Directorate of Culture, Arts and Social Affairs included foam bubble shows, inflatable play areas and dance performances. A further celebration in Mumcular, organised with Bodrum Dance Club and Fuat Erten Primary and Secondary School, featured performances by children and drew strong family participation.

In a statement, Mayor Tamer Mandalinci said the ideas and vision of children remained an important guide for the future of Bodrum, adding that the municipality would continue working to support young people and to build a more liveable town for future generations.

All events were free and open to the public, and municipal teams worked throughout the day to ensure the programme was delivered safely and smoothly.