105th Primary School of Thessaloniki

105th Primary School of Thessaloniki

105th Primary School in Greece

We celebrate it in our school as well.

105th Primary School of Thessaloniki

In some parts of Greece on the 1st of March children sing the carols of Spring. The song took its name from the swallows- Helidonia in Greek.

Students were welcomed at the entrance with a box full of kind words. Each student could take one with them and pass it on to someone else.

We also held a vote to choose the Kindest Person in Each Class. During the secret ballot, every student had the opportunity to nominate a classmate they could always rely on—someone who is kind, friendly, and helpful.

This year, each class drew the name of a country and prepared a themed stand featuring information, music, traditional dishes, and interesting facts about that nation.

It was a wonderful opportunity to explore different cultures, taste new foods, and spend time together in the atmosphere of an international festival! 🎉✈️🌏

Hıdırellez is a traditional festival celebrated in Türkiye on May 5–6 every year. It marks the arrival of spring and is believed to be the day when Hızır and İlyas meet on Earth. According to Turkish tradition, people make wishes for health, happiness, success, and prosperity.

On Hıdırellez night, children and adults write or draw their wishes on paper and place them under a rose tree. People also gather in parks and open spaces, enjoy traditional music and dances, and celebrate the beauty of nature.

Hıdırellez is an important part of Türkiye's cultural heritage and symbolizes hope, renewal, friendship, and new beginnings.

Slide 1: Title Slide

• Title: April 23: National Sovereignty and Children's Day

• Subtitle: A legacy of freedom and a gift to the children of the world.

Slide 2: What is April 23?

• Content: April 23rd is a unique national festival in Turkey with a double significance. It marks the foundation of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and is the only holiday in the world dedicated specifically to children by a national leader.

Slide 3: The Birth of Sovereignty (1920)

• Content: On April 23, 1920, during the Turkish War of Independence, the Grand National Assembly was opened in Ankara. This moment represented the shift of power from a monarchy to the people, establishing the principle that "Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation."

Slide 4: Atatürk’s Vision for Children

• Content: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, believed that children are the future of any nation. He gifted this historic day to children to emphasize that they are the guardians of independence and democracy.

Slide 5: A Unique Tradition: Taking the Seats

• Content: Every year, children symbolically take over high-level government positions for a day. From the President to mayors, students sit in these seats to share their dreams and visions for the country, symbolizing their future roles as leaders.

Slide 6: Colorful Celebrations

• Content: The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. Schools organize stadium performances, traditional folk dances, poetry recitals, and parades. The streets are decorated with flags and balloons, reflecting the pure joy of childhood.

Slide 7: A Global Festival of Peace

• Content: Since 1979, Turkey has hosted the International April 23 Children's Festival. Children from dozens of different countries come to Turkey to share their cultures and stay with Turkish families, fostering a spirit of global brotherhood and world peace.

Slide 8: Key Values of the Day

• Content:

  1. Sovereignty: Celebrating the right of the people to govern themselves.

  2. Education: Emphasizing the importance of nurturing young minds.

  3. Universal Peace: Bringing the children of the world together for a harmonious future.

Slide 9: A Special Message from Atatürk

• Quote: "Little ladies, little gentlemen! You are all the roses, the stars, and the sparkling joy of our future. You are the ones who will bathe the country in light. Never forget how important and valuable you are." — Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Slide 10: Conclusion

• Content: April 23rd is a reminder that a strong nation is built on freedom, and a bright future is built on the happiness of its children. Let us celebrate this day with pride! Happy April 23rd!

In Turkish culture, weddings are not only a union of two people but also a joyful celebration shared by families, friends, and the community. When the bride and groom leave their family homes, traditional musical instruments such as the davul (drum) and zurna are played to announce and celebrate the special occasion.

Family members, neighbors, and guests gather in front of the house or apartment building to dance together. One of the most popular traditional folk dances performed during these celebrations is the halay, which symbolizes unity, friendship, and togetherness.

This video introduces an important Turkish wedding tradition and highlights how music and dance bring people together to celebrate one of the happiest moments in life.

Ashure is traditionally prepared and shared on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Made from many different ingredients, it symbolizes unity, friendship, gratitude, abundance, and solidarity. Just as different ingredients come together to create one delicious dessert, people from different cultures can come together in harmony and respect.

Through this activity, our students introduced an important part of Turkish cultural heritage to their international friends and discovered that sharing traditions helps build stronger friendships across cultures.

🌍 Different cultures, one friendship.

Date: 18 March

Every year on 18 March, Türkiye commemorates the Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs' Remembrance Day, one of the most significant days in Turkish history.

The day marks the Çanakkale Naval Victory of 18 March 1915, when the Ottoman forces successfully defended the Dardanelles during the Gallipoli Campaign in the First World War. This victory became a symbol of courage, determination, and national unity.

The Gallipoli Campaign lasted from 1915 to 1916 and claimed the lives of thousands of soldiers from many different countries. Today, the battle is remembered not only as a military victory but also as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace, friendship, and mutual respect.

On this day, official ceremonies are held across Türkiye. People visit memorials and cemeteries, lay wreaths, observe moments of silence, and honor the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their homeland. Schools organize commemorative programs, poems, songs, and exhibitions to help younger generations understand the historical importance of this day.

18 March reminds us that peace is one of the greatest values we can protect, and that remembering history helps build a better future.