Dear Guests,

We are extremely happy and proud to be preparing the 16th World Play Day celebrations this year.

We have organized our panel in memory of our esteemed professor Prof. Dr. Ayla OKTAY, whom we will always remember for her valuable contributions to early childhood education in Turkey, and for her unwavering support in the celebration and promotion of World Play Day in our country.

In light of the growing global uncertainties, we have chosen this year’s theme as “Uncertainty in Play: Risky Play” to better understand and give meaning to this concept through play.

Last year, on the 15th anniversary of our World Play Day, the United Nations officially recognized June 11, 2024, as the International Day of Play, adding it to its global calendar. Since 2010, Marmara University has organized academic, social, and cultural events on World Play Day, working toward global recognition of this day—especially by the United Nations. It is a great source of pride for both our university and our country that our consistent efforts, along with academic and cultural contributions from various countries, have resulted in such global recognition.

We would also like to remember Mr. Giorgio Bartolucci Ghelli, who supported the celebration of World Play Day events both in his home country, Italy, and in Turkey, particularly at Marmara University, and who contributed to the inclusion of World Play Day in the UN calendar.

The 16th World Play Day and United Nations International Day of Play will be held online on June 11, 2025 as a virtual panel. The online panel program, available in both Turkish and English, can be accessed at the following link.

The Turkish Association for the Advancement of Early Childhood Education (OMEP) will be part of our panel to support both May 28 World Play Day and the United Nations International Day of Play on June 11. The panel will be realized with the valuable contributions of faculty members from Pamukkale University.

The Turkey World Play Day Coordination, led by Dr. Işık Kamaraj from the Department of Preschool Education, has been ongoing for sixteen years.

Happy May 28 World Play Day and June 11 United Nations International Day of Play to all!

Prof. Dr. Gülden UYANIK
Head of the Department of Preschool Education

Dr. Işık KAMARAJ                                                                  
Turkey Coordinator of the 16th World Play Day