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Teachers are individuals who touch the lives of individuals, shape their futures and enlighten an entire nation. Aware of this truth, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk emphasized the importance of education even during the War of Independence, saying, "The greatest war is the war against ignorance!" This perspective became one of the foundational values ​​of the Republic.

Atatürk established the National Schools to promote education. November 24th holds a special place in Turkish history with Atatürk's acceptance of the title of Head Teacher of the National Schools. In 1981, the 100th anniversary of his birth, this day was declared Teachers' Day nationwide. Teachers' Day is celebrated for all teachers, especially Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Head Teacher who launched an education campaign for an enlightened future.

He Worked for Education Even at the Front: From Commander-in-Chief to Head Teacher

In 1921, even before the country was freed from occupation, the importance Atatürk placed on education was evident. A defeat occurred in Kütahya-Eskişehir and while preparations were underway for the Battle of Sakarya, the Education Congress convened. Mustafa Kemal, who came from the front to attend the congress, attended by teachers from all over the country. Afterward, he returned to the front.

In his speech at this congress, Atatürk stated that the reason for the nation's backwardness was a lack of education and emphasized that embracing foreign cultures would not address this deficiency. He emphasized the need for a national education program based on the nation's character for the flourishing of culture and thought. He assigned teachers the task of educating the nation.

After the victory of the War of Independence, he was asked, "What do you want to do now?" Mustafa Kemal answered this question as follows: "As Minister of Education, my greatest ambition is to strive to elevate national knowledge."

From the early days of the Republic, he continued to work in the field of education. Educational equality was ensured between girls and boys. Atatürk also frequently visited schools and attended teachers' classes. During these visits, he sometimes merely observed and sometimes personally taught the students. He is known to have occasionally told stories from history during the classes that he attended. One of these is said to be the story of the former Turkish ruler Mete, who fought to prevent the cession of his land. This story can be said to represent Atatürk's understanding of offensive warfare, which defends the nation, not instigates wars.

A President at the Blackboard: The Birth of the Title of Head Teacher

After the proclamation of the Republic, raising the nation to the level of contemporary civilizations, many reforms were implemented to ensure a productive position in science, art and culture. Among these reforms, one that had a direct impact on culture was the Alphabet Reform. On November 1, 1928, a 29-letter alphabet was adopted for writing Turkish with the new Turkish alphabet. President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk not only implemented the Alphabet Reform but also took the step at the blackboard to teach this new alphabet.

In September 1928, he taught the new Turkish letters to the people of Sinop. His talent and success in teaching were also demonstrated by his teaching the alphabet to illiterate citizens at the blackboard. He taught the words "at" and "ot" to an illiterate citizen in his 50s. His determination and success in learning delighted him.

On November 24, 1928, the Council of Ministers awarded Atatürk the title of Head Teacher of the National Schools for teaching the Turkish alphabet to his nation.

In the Footsteps of the Head Teacher, Towards a Bright Future!

From his student years onward, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's passion for learning was a hallmark of his life. Whether as a soldier in the Ottoman army or fighting on the front lines during the War of Independence, education was a matter he always focused on. Through reforms and educational innovations, he aimed to cultivate enlightened youth. He valued science, art and culture. He strived to elevate education to a secular and contemporary level while also striving tirelessly to expand it.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk believed that ignorance and backwardness were the causes of the decline of nations, and that education was the prerequisite for their rise. In the footsteps of the Head Teacher, who viewed education as the foundation of an independent nation, respect and gratitude are expressed to teachers every year on November 24th. As the Elite World Hotels & Resorts family, we sincerely congratulate our Head Teacher and all teachers on Teacher's Day!

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