The Martyrdom of Imam Ali, observed on the 21st day of Ramadan, commemorates the death of Ali ibn Abi Talib, also known as Hazrat Ali, who was the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. This year, it takes place on March 11. Did you know that he is one of the important personalities in Islam? Yes, he was considered to be the first Imam by Shia Muslims and was also the first male to accept Islam — this also makes him the first Muslim. So, who is Imam Ali, what was his life like, and what happened to him? Let’s learn about the history and importance of the Martyrdom of Imam Ali.
National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (“Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı”) is on April 23, a public holiday in Turkey with a difference. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president of Turkey, dedicated April 23 to all the world’s children — keepers and creators of the future. The day also commemorates the dawn of a new Turkish republic in 1923 after the fall of the Ottoman empire. To our knowledge, Turkey is the only country where children are the official symbols of national pride and progress. We think more countries should take a leaf out of their book.
Oklahoma Day
Oklahoma Day is an annual state holiday celebrated on April 22 in the United States. It commemorates the date in 1889 when the Oklahoma region became open to European settlement. The celebrations on April 22, also known as Oklahoma 89ers Day, are centered on Guthrie, the original land office about 80 miles from the starting line. The original participants, known as the “89ers,” reenacted the land rush in 1915, and Guthrie commemorates the event each year with an 89ers celebration. Parades and festivities are held in some areas of Oklahoma to commemorate the day.