Fethi Apaydın Represented the Educational Power of Chess at the April 23 Reception
The April 23 reception, held with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and hosted by Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, once again underscored the significance of the 106th anniversary of the opening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. The event brought together senior state officials, members of parliament, ministers, institutional representatives, and numerous guests. Among them was Fethi Apaydın, President of the Turkish Chess Federation, representing the country’s chess community.
April 23 is not only a symbol of national sovereignty, but also one of the clearest expressions of trust in children and investment in the future. From this perspective, chess directly reflects the spirit of this meaningful day through its contribution to children’s intellectual development. Opening preparation, control of the center, planning, patience, and the ability to make the right move at the right time make chess more than just a sport; they turn it into a powerful tool that supports education, discipline, and character development.
Considering the Turkish Chess Federation’s recent efforts to expand chess in schools, strengthen grassroots organization, and introduce more children to the game, Fethi Apaydın’s presence at such a high-level reception also carries symbolic importance. Bringing chess to every segment of society helps children who encounter sports culture at an early age improve their strategic thinking, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Especially on the occasion of Children’s Day, such engagements increase the public visibility of chess.
The reception at the Grand National Assembly also stood out as an important reflection of the shared vision between state institutions and sports federations. Giving chess a broader place in projects aimed at Türkiye’s young population is significant for raising both future athletes and conscious citizens. The representation of the Turkish Chess Federation at this meaningful gathering once again showed that chess holds a strong place not only in tournament halls, but also within the country’s educational and cultural policies.