Turkey marks Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day

Turkey marked Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day on May 19, with various events planned in the capital Ankara and around the country.

The day marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the War of Independence after the Republic of Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, journeyed from allied-occupied Istanbul to Samsun on the black sea coast on May 19, 1919.

In Ankara, official ceremonies are held at parliament and Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Atatürk.

Around the country, the day is scheduled to be celebrated through various events including concerts, performances and gatherings.

Atatürk landed in Samsun at the start of political and military resistance against the allied partitioning of the Ottoman Empire after its defeat in the World War I. The independence war ended on oct. 29, 1923 and Atatürk dedicated May 19 to the country's youth.