November 24th Teachers’ Day, the day of our teachers who equip their students with knowledge and raise them with compassion and love, is the most meaningful opportunity to express our gratitude to the light of inspiration, knowledge and sacrifice. On this special day, we owe an eternal gratitude to all our teachers who have left an indelible mark on the hearts of their students, whom they have guided throughout their lives and who have shaped the future on the path of modern civilization set by Atatürk.

The Importance of November 24th Teachers’ Day

Celebrated every year with great respect and love, November 24th not only honors the hard work of our teachers but also symbolizes the day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, received the title of “Head Teacher.” Atatürk’s acceptance of the head teacher position of the National Schools in 1928 is one of the most powerful symbols of the modernization movement in education and the nation’s journey towards enlightenment.

This meaningful date began to be celebrated as Teachers’ Day in 1981, marking the 100th anniversary of Atatürk’s birth and the declaration of the “Year of Atatürk” by UNESCO. On November 26, 1992, the “Teachers’ Day Celebration Regulations” were published in the Official Gazette.

With his words, “In life, the truest guide is science and knowledge. To seek a guide other than science and knowledge is ignorance, misguidance and folly,” our Head Teacher Mustafa Kemal Atatürk emphasized the great importance of education. He stated that a society free from ignorance can only be achieved through education and in many of his speeches, drew attention to the noble role of teachers in this process.

Education in the Republican Era

Atatürk aspired to bring his country and nation to the level of contemporary civilization. In a country with an average literacy rate of 10%, it was crucial that education be provided within an accessible, national and secular system. Therefore, he implemented radical reforms in education and culture. He initiated work on a national education system that understood the needs of the time to cultivate a modern and secular society.

The development of a public education policy had a particular impact on primary and secondary education. In addition to equal opportunities in education, the free and accessible nature of education ensured that all children could receive an equal education.

One of the most fundamental steps taken in the field of education during the Republican Era was the proposal of Tevhid-i Tedrisat Kanunu (Law on the Unification of Education), submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey by Vasıf Bey, the deputy of Saruhan and his colleagues. With the adoption of this law on March 3, 1924, educational unity was achieved, all schools in the country were placed under the authority of the Ministry of National Education, religious schools (madrasas) were closed, and significant progress was made in many areas.

Another important development that is related to education during the Republican Era was the Alphabet Reform. Head Teacher Atatürk personally introduced these new letters, designed to spread literacy, to the Turkish people in Gülhane Park on August 8, 1928. To spread these new letters, he traveled throughout the country, teaching them to the public and in approximately three months, he implemented the Alphabet Reform. On November 1, 1928, the new letters were adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The opening of the National Schools aimed to both teach the new letters and increase the literacy rate in the country.

Of course, the reforms in education were not limited to these. The Faculty of Language, History and Geography was established to research the Turkish language and history using scientific methods. On April 19, 1931, Türk Tarih Kurumu (Turkish Historical Society) was founded for various purposes such as researching Turkish history and raising public awareness of national history and Türk Dil Kurumu (Turkish Language Society) was founded for purposes such as saving the Turkish language from the influence of foreign languages ​​and researching and finding words of Turkish origin.

Our Head Teacher, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Our Head Teacher Mustafa Kemal Atatürk placed great importance on teachers and education to ensure that Turkish youth are well-educated and knowledgeable. The book “Geometri,” written shortly before his death, is one of the most significant details that demonstrates the importance that he placed on education. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk believed that textbooks containing Arabic and Persian terms would confuse his students and make them difficult to understand. This book, written by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk himself, has made geometric terms more understandable today.

Atatürk emphasized the importance that he placed on teachers with the following words:

“Teachers! You will raise the new generation, the selfless teachers and educators of the Republic. And the new generation will be your creation. The value of your work will be proportional to your skill and self-sacrifice. The Republic demands protectors who are strong in mind, science and body and who possess high character! It is in your hands to raise the new generation with these qualities and abilities.”

Through these words, he highlighted the significance of education and an educated society for both individuals and the future of the Republic of Turkey, as well as the crucial role teachers had played on this challenging path.

Happy November 24th Teachers’ Day to all teachers and teacher candidates, especially to our Head Teacher and Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk! On this special day, if you would like to do something different, you can visit the Atatürk Museum Room at the Pera Palace Hotel and deeply feel the spirit and memories of an important era.

You may also be interested in these articles:

• The Day That Inspired the Future: Our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and May 19
• Journey from Our Great Leader’s Room in Pera Palace to March 18th in the 110th Anniversary of the Glorious Victory
• The Path to Independence: The Meaningful Story of Our August 30 Victory Day in Its 102nd Year!
• National and International Press News on the Day of Our Great Leader Atatürk’s Passing