29.10.2026 11:16
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin published a message on the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic. Referring to the “Century of Türkiye” goals in the second century of the Republic, Tekin emphasized that education is the strongest foundation of this goal. Describing teachers as “soldiers of the Republic,” Tekin also addressed parents, children, and young people.
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin celebrated the 29 October Republic Day. In his message, Tekin commemorated Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the heroes of the National Struggle with gratitude.
“WE COMMEMORATE WITH PRIDE AND EXCITEMENT AS A NATION” In his message, Minister Tekin said, “We commemorate with pride and excitement as a nation the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of our Republic, one of the great turning points in our glorious history. I wholeheartedly congratulate our citizens in all corners of our country, the Turkish Cypriot people, our brothers and sisters living abroad, and our entire education community on the 29 October Republic Day. I wish this exceptional day to strengthen the unity and brotherhood of our nation and to be a means of tranquility, peace and goodness for our country and all humanity. I commemorate with gratitude Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, the members of our Gazi Assembly who led and administered the National Struggle, and all the heroes of this struggle.”
“WE AIM TO RAISE PRODUCTIVE GENERATIONS” Referring to the goals for the second century of the Republic, Tekin said, “From Malazgirt to Çanakkale, from the National Struggle to 15 July, I remember with mercy our beloved martyrs, who made these lands a homeland at the cost of their lives for centuries, and I remember with gratitude our veterans who are alive. We are the heirs of a deep-rooted state tradition and a rich accumulation of civilization. Our Republic is the expression of the national will in state administration, the symbol of our determination to live independently, and it was born as a light of hope not only for our nation but also for the oppressed of the world.”
“THE STRONGEST FOUNDATION OF THIS GOAL IS EDUCATION” Drawing attention to the “Century of Türkiye” goals, Tekin continued as follows:
“At the dawn of the second century of our Republic, we shoulder as a nation the ‘Century of Türkiye’ goals pointed out by our esteemed President. The strongest foundation of this great goal is education, and its greatest assurance is well-raised generations. It is our duty to raise children who know with what faith we won our independence, who understand on what sacrifices our Republic was built, and who are ready to take responsibility for the future of our nation. Because preserving independence requires knowledge, will, effort and the power to produce. The tomorrows of our nation will be shaped by the quality of the education we offer our children today. We have implemented the Century of Türkiye Education Model with this awareness. With our model that places the competent and virtuous human being at its center, we aim to raise generations who are attached to national and spiritual values, knowledgeable about their history and culture, free-thinking, reasoning and productive.”
TO TEACHERS: YOUR DUE CAN NEVER BE REPAID Addressing teachers, Minister Tekin said, “Our precious teachers, you are the soldiers of the Republic who keep our educational ideal alive. With the knowledge and manners you impart to our students, the work ethic you instill, and the example you set, you weave the future of our nation stitch by stitch. Your due can never be repaid. On this blessed day, I once again offer my gratitude to all our teachers and education staff working with a great sense of responsibility in every corner of our country. I wholeheartedly believe that our schools, strengthened by your efforts, will raise the generations that will build the Century of Türkiye.”
THANKS TO PARENTS Also thanking parents, Tekin said, “Our valued parents, the family is as determining as the school in the upbringing of our children. I thank you for your efforts and trust, you who instill love, diligence and awareness of the Republic in your children and stand side by side with our schools. We will continue to work in cooperation with you at every stage of education.”
TO CHILDREN AND YOUTH: WE TRUST YOU Concluding his message by addressing children and young people, Tekin noted the following:
“Our dear children and young people, the second century of our Republic will rise on your shoulders. The effort, ideas and talent of each of you are needed in the future of this country. We believe in you and we trust you. We know that the excitement of learning growing in our classrooms today will turn into our country’s discoveries, inventions and works tomorrow. We will build the ‘Century of Türkiye’ together with you and elevate even further our Republic, which has been entrusted to us. With this faith and determination, I once again congratulate our nation, our precious teachers, our education staff, our parents and our dear students on the 29 October Republic Day. May God make our unity and solidarity everlasting and bring the efforts we make for our country to auspicious results. Happy 29 October Republic Day.”