About us
  |  
Advertising
  |  
Contact
  |  
Get Home Delivery
  |  
RSS
  |  
Share on your site
  |  
MULTIMEDIA
May 27, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 

‘Atatürk would applaud Turkish schools in foreign countries’

Aysal Ataç
6 March 2010 / HEMRA KÖSE, İSTANBUL
Authoring a book on Turkish schools operating in foreign countries, the former general director of the department for responsible education abroad of the Education Ministry, Aysal Aytaç, has said the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemak Atatürk, would praise these schools if he were alive today.

Aytaç, who served as general director of the Education Ministry’s department for responsible education abroad for 10 years during his 43-year career, penned a book titled “Sulh Adacıkları” [Peace Islands] on Turkish schools opened around the world by Turkish volunteers. Aytaç’s book tells of his experiences during his visits to these schools as well as the thoughts of statesmen and intellectuals who have paid visits to the schools.

Stating that Central Asians and Turks were like siblings who had lost each other years ago, Aytaç says they met again thanks to this education movement, referring to many Turkish schools founded in Central Asian countries. Aytaç also underlines that he thinks Atatürk inspired these schools, criticizing those who call themselves Atatürkist and who have opposed the schools for years. He recalls that Atatürk once said: “We have brothers with the same faith and language under the rule of the [now collapsed] Soviet Union. We should be ready to do something about them. This does not mean waiting without doing anything. … We should not wait for them to get close to us, but we should get close to them.” Aytaç says if Atatürk were alive today, he would praise these schools.

Stating that the education initiative of Turkish entrepreneurs has reached 120 countries in 18 years, Aytaç says the first Turkish school was opened in Azerbaijan, adding that more schools subsequently opened as the Azerbaijani school saw success at international science Olympiads.

Turkish education volunteers inspired by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen have so far opened Turkish schools in 120 countries.

Aytaç also draws attention to Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who has pioneered these educational activities in a number of countries along with efforts to promote intercultural and interfaith activities around the world. Stating that followers of Gülen have been very successful in the field of education, Aytaç also recalls remarks by former President Turgut Özal on Turkish schools in Central Asia. “I am a deputy of these people [teachers]. They not only educate your children in high school but also open universities. These schools are to bind [Turkey and Central Asian] countries together,” he quotes from Özal.

What have Turkish schools brought to Turkey?

According to Aytaç, the Turkish schools opened around the world are the most successful step Turkey has taken in recent years. Stating that these schools have promoted more interest in Turkey as well as making Turkish an internationally spoken language, he says, “The 21st century will be the century of Turkish thanks to Turkish schools.” Noting that the schools represent love and tolerance, he says he hopes to see further accomplishments of Turkish schools. Aytaç also stresses that some teachers working at the Turkish schools are struggling because of financial difficulties, but says they are not deterred.

As for why he named his book “Peace Islands,” Aytaç states that he found this name appropriate as the title since these schools bring peace to everywhere they are opened. Aytaç also plans to publish another book on Turkish schools in the future.
 
Weather
City>>
ISTANBUL
Today Mon Tue
14C°
22C°
15C°
23C°
15C°
22C°
 

© Feza Gazetecilik A.Ş. 2007, Ahmet Taner Kışlalı Cad. No: 6, Bahçelievler - İstanbul 34194 Turkey, +90 (212) 454 1454, +90 (212) 454 1497(fax)