Not just a great poet, but a great teacher: Tevfik Fikret

Although their value is often overlooked, this land has produced many great teachers. One of them is Tevfik Fikret, known primarily as a poet and man of letters, but who was also an exceptional educator. Fikret became a teacher at the Mekteb-i Sultani, or Galatasaray High School, in 1894 after winning a Turkish language teaching competition. On January 6, 1909, he accepted the position of school principal, on the condition that he be given full responsibility for the school's administration and that no one interfere with his work.

His approach to education was to nourish children's minds without exhausting them. To this end, his first act was to reduce the 1-hour and 15-minute class duration. He established laboratories for physics and chemistry classes. He provided calculation tools for mathematics and insect and rock collections for science classes. For history, instead of study sessions on Wednesday afternoons, students were taken to museums by their teachers. Fikret, who built a conference hall for literature classes—which caused great controversy because it was built over the prayer room—ensured that students gave speeches and performed plays there. Additionally, a school magazine called 'Tiraje' was published so that students could express their thoughts freely. Naturally, these actions did not please narrow-minded individuals, and the slanders put forward led to the ministry of the time intervening.

Fikret resigned from the principalship he had accepted with the promise of absolute authority. However, he returned to his post following persistent requests. Some time later, when the ministry wanted to implement a system similar to the current contract teaching system, Tevfik Fikret resigned once and for all to defend the rights of his colleagues. Many other teachers and doctors working at the school also resigned with him. Fikret's resignation caused a great stir and made headlines in the newspapers.

The school's students also supported their beloved teacher, Tevfik Fikret. All the students of the school sent a telegram to the Grand Vizier stating that they would leave the school if Fikret did not return. Thus, the first boycott by secondary school students in Turkish educational history began. Nearly 500 students stopped attending school. Moreover, among these students was the son of Crown Prince Abdülmecid, the Sultan's grandson. Although the students were determined not to return to school, this boycott was ended by these words from Tevfik Fikret: "It is your duty to disprove the claims of those who say that 'those who follow Fikret are a few idlers with no hope of graduating.' You will graduate successfully and prove that those who love me are not idlers, but young people committed to their country." Thus, the boycott ended, albeit not by the students' own desire. Fikret was forced to leave the school he loved so much. This situation remained a lingering pain in his heart.

"When I pass by the Sultani, I still feel as if two hands are grabbing my shoulders. I can never turn my face that way. I am so deeply affected. I had worked sincerely for our country and wanted to continue working." 

I respectfully remember this great educator, who fought to raise young people with free minds, free consciences, and free wisdom, and who also enlightened Atatürk with his views, and I hope that teachers like Fikret will increase in number.