DMM issues statement on Yusuf Tekin's November 10 directive letter

Due to the first mid-term break of the 2025-2026 academic year coinciding with the dates of November 10-15, no ceremonies were held in schools today (November 10) on the anniversary of the death of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey.

The failure to hold November 10 ceremonies due to the mid-term break was criticized, and the Ministry of National Education (MEB) subsequently announced that commemoration events would be held on November 7.

Education unions, protesting this decision, called on teachers, parents, and citizens to go to schools on November 10 to commemorate Atatürk.

SCANDALOUS DIRECTIVE FROM MEB

Following the calls from the unions, the MEB issued an official letter dated November 8, sent to all provinces, titled "Atatürk Commemoration Day Events."

The ministry's text stated that it is "essential that commemoration programs be held in areas designated by the governorships and open to everyone's participation."

The letter, sent under the signature of Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, cited the Basic Law on National Education No. 1739 and included the following statements:

“It is clear that announcements and preparations for political parties to organize ceremonies in our schools, outside of designated areas, do not align with fundamental principles and legal justifications. I request that the necessary actions be taken to ensure that no transactions contrary to the Constitution and legislation are carried out.”

ALLEGATION THAT SCHOOLYARDS WERE CLOSED

Following this letter, it was learned that district national education directorates in many cities, especially in Istanbul, had conveyed the instruction to school administrations.

As reported by Sultan Uçar from Sözcü, it was alleged that messages were shared in some WhatsApp groups stating, “Take the necessary action to close unused schoolyards.”

STATEMENT FROM DMM

Following the scandal that occupied the public agenda, the Center for Combating Disinformation, affiliated with the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, issued a statement.

The statement included the following:

“Claims appearing in various media outlets and social media platforms that 'the Ministry of National Education has banned the commemoration of Atatürk in schools on November 10 and issued an instruction to lock the doors' contain disinformation.

The Ministry of National Education's letter dated November 8 states that it is essential for the November 10 Atatürk Commemoration Day to be observed in accordance with the relevant regulations in areas designated by the governorships and open to everyone's participation, in a manner befitting the meaning and importance of the day.

The letter contains no expression regarding the banning of Atatürk commemoration events; however, it emphasizes that it is not in accordance with the legislation for political parties to call for ceremonies or organizations in schools outside of the areas defined for them.

Furthermore, the letter in question requests that sapling planting events be encouraged with the voluntary participation of students, teachers, and families within the framework of the November 11 National Afforestation Day. Within the scope of this event, students at all grade levels will prepare message cards reflecting their feelings and thoughts about Atatürk and love for the homeland and place them on the saplings they have planted.

The Ministry of National Education reports that activities aimed at commemorating Atatürk on a voluntary basis continue in schools today and tomorrow. It is kindly requested that the public not give credence to baseless content spread for manipulative purposes.”

News Source: 12punto