12.05.2026 17:40
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin announced that in the new curriculum, the term "Crusades" has been changed to "Crusader Attacks" and the concept of "Geographical Discoveries" has been changed to "Beginning of Colonialism." Tekin, who advocates using the term "Turkistan" instead of "Central Asia," stated that the emphasis on national consciousness and values has been increased in the education system.
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin announced that certain concepts in the curriculum have been changed within the scope of the "Turkey Century Education Model". With the new regulation, it was stated that the expression "Crusades" will be replaced by "Crusader Attacks", and "Geographical Discoveries" will be replaced by "The Beginning of Colonialism".
"NOT CRUSADES, BUT CRUSADER ATTACKS"
Speaking at the "Ramadan at the Heart of Education" event held at the 1071 Congress Center in the complex of the Grand Camlıca Mosque in Istanbul, Minister Tekin stated that Western-centered concepts are being reevaluated in the new curriculum. Tekin, noting that they have made significant arrangements within the scope of the "Turkey Century Education Model", expressed that some concepts directly affect the mental world of students. Arguing that the term "Crusades" is a sanitized usage, Tekin said, "When we say 'sefer' (expedition), it evokes something reasonable in our literature. However, this was an attack. Therefore, we removed the concept of 'Crusades' from the curriculum and use the expression 'Crusader Attacks' instead."
"NOT GEOGRAPHICAL DISCOVERIES, BUT THE BEGINNING OF COLONIALISM"
Minister Tekin emphasized that conceptual changes are being made not only in historical terminology but also in different fields. Stating that the term "Geographical Discoveries" also reflects a Eurocentric perspective, Tekin said, "Geographical discoveries are actually the beginning of colonialism." Expressing that this approach will be taken as a basis in the new curriculum, Tekin drew attention to the importance of concepts in the narration of history.
"NOT CENTRAL ASIA, BUT TURKISTAN"
In his speech, Yusuf Tekin also touched upon the concept of "Central Asia", arguing that this term is a product of the political atmosphere formed after World War II. Tekin said, "In scientific literature, its equivalent is Turkistan." Additionally, citing the formerly used term "Sea of Islands" as an example, he stated that concepts have an impact on national consciousness.
"NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS MUST BE KEPT ALIVE"
Minister Tekin also emphasized national consciousness and values education in his speech. Stating that they have organized various events in schools following Israel's attacks on Gaza, Tekin said that concepts such as justice, human rights, solidarity, and love for the homeland are being highlighted in the education system.
"Imperial powers have their eyes and ears on us," said Tekin, expressing that national consciousness must be kept constantly alive.
RESPONSE TO "TALIBANISM" CRITICISMS
Minister Tekin also addressed criticisms regarding the events held in schools during the month of Ramadan, noting that some circles have described these activities as "Talibanism."
Stating that the events are carried out entirely on a voluntary basis, Tekin expressed that they aim for students to learn values such as sharing, cooperation, honesty, and compassion.
At the end of the program, awards were given to students who decorated their schools during the month of Ramadan. It was observed that students showed great interest in Minister Tekin during the event.