02.02.2026 14:37
After the mid-term break of the 2025-2026 academic year, 18 million students returned to school. The Ministry of National Education determined that the topic of the first lesson in this period would be 'Love for the Flag.' Students who came to school wearing red and white outfits in Avcılar and Kadıköy started the new term with Turkish flags in their hands.
Approximately 18 million students and 1 million 200 thousand teachers in pre-school, primary, and secondary education institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education started their classes today. The first lesson began with a letter sent to 81 provinces signed by Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, focusing on education and awareness activities aimed at strengthening love for the flag, unity, and a sense of common belonging. At Zihnipaşa Primary School in Kadıköy, students came to school wearing t-shirts with the crescent-star and Atatürk's signature, while at Ambarlı Primary School in Avcılar, students participated in the first lesson in red and white outfits. Due to the rainy weather that was effective in Istanbul in the morning hours, the program planned to be held in the schoolyard was moved indoors. After the greeting and the National Anthem, students proceeded to their classrooms accompanied by their teachers.
'WE ARE VERY HAPPY TO EXPERIENCE THIS ENTHUSIASM'
Fourth-grade student Ali Asaf Şengül said, "We are very happy. Thank goodness we are in this country. We love our flag very much. We are very happy to experience this enthusiasm."
'I'M GLAD TO LIVE IN THIS COUNTRY'
Çınar Tolan also stated, "I'm glad to live in this country. Thank goodness there is a country called Turkey. I am excited for the second term."
'I LOVE OUR FLAG VERY MUCH'
Serap Arya Bostancı, one of the students experiencing the excitement of the new term, said, "I am very excited. I love my teacher and my friends very much. It is very fun. Tournaments are organized, we have a lot of fun at school." Speaking about the theme of this term, Bostancı expressed, "I love our flag very much."
'LET'S BE HAPPY, LET THE CHILDREN HAVE FUN'
Describing what she did during the holiday, Leyla Aslan said, "I went to Göcek during the holiday, I swam in hot waters. I am ready for the second term." Aslan also expressed her expectations for the new term, saying, "Let's be happy, let the children have fun." Kıvanç Tatlı, who said the holiday went well, stated, "I wasn't ready for the second term and math classes, but they can't scare me."
'I FELT PRIDE, HONOR, FREEDOM'
Student Seymen İhsan Ünsal described the feelings of starting the new term with flags in their hands, saying, "I felt pride, honor, and freedom. Hopefully, the new term will also go well."
THE FIRST LESSON WAS 'LOVE FOR THE FLAG'
After the students sat at their desks, they were welcomed with a program appropriate to the meaning and importance of the day. With the first lesson bell, the 'Turkish Flag Documentary' was shown in all classrooms. The documentary, which explained the history of the flag, its symbolism of independence, and its importance on national values, was watched attentively by the students.