Turkish, Egyptian, and Palestinian Children Gather for Peace in Cairo on May 19.
The 107th anniversary of the day Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, ignited the flame of the national struggle in Samsun on May 19, 1919, was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Turkish Embassy in Cairo.
The celebration was attended by Turkish, Egyptian, and Palestinian youth along with their families, as well as numerous Egyptian journalists.
The event, organized in cooperation with the Yunus Emre Cultural Center in Cairo, commenced with the singing of the Turkish and Egyptian national anthems. Following this, a message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was read to the attendees.
Key speeches during the program were delivered by Salih Mutlu Şen, the Turkish Ambassador to Cairo; Professor Dr. Necdet Ünüvar, Rector of Ankara University (who was visiting Egypt to establish academic ties); and Naji Naji, Counselor of the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo.
Turkish and Egyptian youth showcased a variety of artistic performances, and participants were given the opportunity to learn about and try traditional Turkish archery.
A performance by the distinguished Ney (flute) artist Sinem Hondoroğlu, from the Istanbul State Modern Folk Music Ensemble under the General Directorate of Fine Arts of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, received widespread acclaim. The artist had previously performed at the Grand Egyptian Museum the day before in honor of International Museum Day. A musical band also performed during the event.
In his speech, Ambassador Şen stated that dedicating this important day to the Turkish youth signifies entrusting the future to the younger generations who will elevate the republic. He expressed his immense joy at seeing young people come together through art, sports, culture, and a spirit of solidarity.
The event was attended by numerous young men and women aged 14 to 18 from Turkey, Egypt, and Palestine, who are currently learning Turkish at the Yunus Emre Cultural Center.
Ambassador Şen noted that the participation of Egyptian and Palestinian youth in celebrating this occasion reflects the true meaning of friendship, brotherhood, solidarity, and a shared desire to build a bright future.
Moreover, the Turkish Ambassador explained that May 15 also marks a day of national awakening, pointing out that just as Atatürk entrusted the future to the youth, Palestinian youth represent the future of Palestine’s independence and freedom—a nation that has already begun its national awakening.
Ambassador Şen also added that hosting the Palestinian youth was driven by his firm belief that Egypt and Turkey will continue to support Palestine's struggle for freedom and a better tomorrow. He expressed his full confidence that Palestinian youth will persist in their struggle for a free Palestine that enjoys peace, security, and liberty.
In addition, he emphasized that humanity is currently being tested in Gaza, describing it as a test of conscience and international law.
Furthermore, he pointed out that Palestinian youth are laying the foundation for a free, independent, and sovereign Palestinian state, reaffirming that Turkey, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, will steadfastly support Palestine in its just cause.
Referring to the international championships hosted by Egypt in various sports, Ambassador Şen expressed his appreciation to the Egyptian government for bringing together youth from all over the world and building bridges of friendship through competition. He highlighted the extensive participation of Turkish athletes, emphasizing that he closely follows competitions in Egypt and is deeply proud of both Turkish and Egyptian athletes.
Moreover, he announced that three Turkish athletes recently won bronze medals at the World Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Ismailya, expressing his hope that this momentum will continue and grow in the coming period.
He also stressed the importance of increasing cooperation between Turkey and Egypt in the fields of youth and sports, highlighting the achievements of Egyptian athlete Adem Asil under the Turkish flag.
Ambassador Şen concluded his speech by urging the youth never to give up on their dreams and to remain ready to build the future of their nations with the faith they derive from their people and history, emphasizing that the youth are the true architects of the future.
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