World Amateur Radio and Amateur Radio Operators Day

April 18 World Amateur Radio and Amateur Radio Operators Day is a special day celebrated worldwide by radio amateurs every year on April 18. This date marks the anniversary of the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), the global umbrella organization for amateur radio (radio communication).

On this day, observed in memory of the IARU’s establishment in Paris on April 18, 1925, the history, current state, and contributions of amateur radio to society are highlighted. On this occasion, radio amateurs strengthen solidarity by communicating with their peers around the world and raise public awareness of the benefits of this hobby.

The primary reason April 18 was designated as World Amateur Radio Day is the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) on that date in 1925. The IARU, the first international organization for amateur radio, was established in Paris on April 18, 1925, with American radio amateur Hiram Percy Maxim elected as its first president. This significant development brought together radio amateurs worldwide under a single umbrella, and since then, April 18 has become a shared celebration day for all amateur radio operators. Each year, the IARU selects a theme or motto for this special day to draw attention to specific topics.

For example, in 2023, the theme for World Amateur Radio Day was “Safety for All,” emphasizing the role of amateur radio operators in public safety.

As of today, the IARU has reached its 100th anniversary, and the 2025 World Amateur Radio Day events are being organized around the theme of celebrating the union’s centennial legacy.

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World Amateur Radio Day is celebrated by radio amateurs through various events at both local and international levels. On this day, amateur radio operators typically take to their radio stations and strive to make as many radio contacts (QSOs) as possible worldwide, spreading a festive atmosphere over the airwaves. Many radio clubs and associations organize special gatherings, seminars, or workshops to bring together their members and provide public outreach. For instance, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) encourages public awareness by organizing “Amateur Radio Open House” events on this day. Some amateur radio associations also seek official proclamations from local governments to recognize the day and increase public awareness.

• Special call signs and activities: Many amateurs worldwide use special call signs for this occasion and conduct commemorative radio contacts. In Türkiye, the All Amateur Radio Operators Association (TAMAD) organized events in 2025 under the special call sign TC100WARD to mark the IARU’s 100th anniversary. Through this special station, connections were established with amateurs globally and technical knowledge was exchanged.
• Club gatherings: Radio amateurs gather at club centers or in the field to set up equipment together and celebrate World Amateur Radio Day through hands-on practice. For example, TAMAD invited all amateurs to an event held at its headquarters on April 19, 2025. Similarly, TRAC and other local clubs meet with their members to share the significance of the day and pass on experience to new amateurs.
• Promotion and awareness: This special day provides an opportunity not only to showcase the hobby aspect of amateur radio but also to highlight its valuable contributions to society. Radio amateurs introduce the hobby to friends and family, share their experiences on social media using hashtags such as #WorldAmateurRadioDay, and encourage potential new participants. Additionally, some local radio stations and media outlets broadcast news and programs about amateur radio on April 18 to inform the public.

Amateur radio operation (amateur radio) is a communication service based on individuals engaging in radio communication for personal interest and curiosity, without commercial intent, and gaining technical experience. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defines the Amateur Radio Service as an experimental communication activity that allows individuals to develop their knowledge in communication and electronics, with no political or commercial purpose.

The term “amateur” here does not imply any deficiency; rather, it emphasizes that this activity is a passion-driven pursuit, carried out without expectation of financial gain.

Amateur radio operators acquire the authority to communicate on designated frequency bands by passing required examinations and obtaining a license. It is estimated that approximately three million licensed amateur radio operators exist worldwide. These individuals use various communication methods, including HF (short wave), VHF (Very High Frequency), and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands, as well as digital modes.

Amateur radio activities range from making contact with a station in the neighborhood using a simple handheld radio to establishing satellite communication or transmitting intercontinental radio signals. Through these activities, radio amateurs enhance their technical knowledge, contribute to testing new communication technologies, and build friendship bridges with people across the globe.

Indeed, amateur radio is also described as an endeavor that promotes international goodwill. Amateurs from different countries use radio waves to create a culture of borderless friendship and solidarity, gaining opportunities to learn about and understand each other’s cultures.

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Amateur radio has a critical social function beyond being a hobby. Especially during natural disasters and emergencies, when professional communication infrastructure is damaged or overwhelmed, amateur radio operators step in to ensure uninterrupted communication. Historically, since the earliest days of radio communication, amateur operators have voluntarily provided communication support during disasters, and this contribution remains vital today. In major disasters where advanced communication technologies become inoperable due to power outages, infrastructure collapse, or other causes, “when everything else fails, amateur radio works” has become a defining truth.

For this reason, amateur radio is often described by the phrase: “When all else fails, ham radio works” (The only communication tool that still functions when everything else has collapsed).

In Türkiye, amateur radio operators play a vital role as a backup communication force during disasters. The largest organization of amateur radio operators in the country, the Türkiye Radio Amateurs Association (TRAC), is officially recognized as a support partner under the Türkiye Disaster Response Plan (TAMP).

TRAC, from the very first moments of disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and forest fires, deploys its own communication infrastructure and volunteer operators on-site to support the communication needs of public institutions.

Another important social aspect of amateur radio is its role in human resource development and education. Those engaged in this hobby increase their technical knowledge and practical skills while developing a sense of responsibility toward serving society. The presence of trained volunteer communicators ready to respond during disasters is a key factor in enhancing community resilience.

Moreover, amateur radio activities can inspire young people to develop interest in science and technology, guiding them toward fields such as communication, electronics, and engineering. In this regard, amateur radio is also viewed as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education stepping stone and a citizen science initiative.

Amateur radio activities in Türkiye are organized through various associations and clubs. The oldest and most extensive of these organizations is the Türkiye Radio Amateurs Association (TRAC). Founded in 1962 by Dr. Bedii Ezgi and colleagues, TRAC has led the development of amateur radio in the country and has been the sole authorized institution representing Türkiye in the IARU since 1965. In 1991, TRAC was granted the status of a public benefit association by a decision of the Council of Ministers and has since been responsible for defending the rights and interests of amateurs at both national and international levels. TRAC currently serves a community of nearly 40,000 licensed amateur radio operators through 69 provincial and district branches and over 3,000 members nationwide.

In addition to TRAC, other amateur radio associations operate in various provinces and regions. For example, the All Amateur Radio Operators Association (TAMAD) is one of the active organizations in this field. Founded in 2015, TAMAD organizes events primarily in Istanbul and its surroundings, contributing to the training of new amateur operators through educational seminars and exam preparation programs.

TAMAD promotes Türkiye internationally during global events such as World Amateur Radio Day by using special call signs and strengthening friendship ties. For instance, TAMAD’s TC100WARD special station successfully represented Türkiye in 2025 by establishing communication with hundreds of amateurs during the IARU’s centennial celebrations.

In addition, amateur radio clubs within universities (such as those at technical universities) and smaller local amateur groups also exist. These clubs conduct school-based promotional activities and workshops to increase young people’s interest in amateur radio.

Another dimension of amateur radio activities in Türkiye involves licensing examinations and regulations. To become a licensed amateur radio operator, individuals must pass periodic examinations conducted by the General Directorate of Coastal Safety under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

Associations such as TRAC and TAMAD provide candidates with educational materials and support for exam preparation, including sample questions and practical training. Those who successfully obtain their license may join associations, participate in joint activities, receive emergency communication training, and represent Türkiye in national and international competitions.

April 18 World Amateur Radio Day once again brings attention to the importance of amateur radio both globally and in Türkiye. On this traditional day, radio amateurs reflect on their heritage, share their experiences, and celebrate new technologies and friendships.