Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the government’s commitment to education, describing it as the most important investment in the nation’s future, during his address at the 2025–2026 School Year Opening Ceremony held in Istanbul.

Highlighting Türkiye’s new education model, President Erdoğan underlined that education policies are not only about raising individuals but also about building a civilization. “In education, we are implementing a program that is compatible with the circumstances of the 21st century in line with the principles of democratization, equality in opportunities, inclusivity, and active participation,” he said.

Erdoğan noted that the government’s approach is multi-layered, skill-oriented, and rooted in national and moral values. He added that reforms in the curriculum are being supported with improvements in teachers’ rights and working conditions, as well as investments in schools’ physical and technical capacities. “Our governments’ biggest investment has been in education, hence in humans,” he stressed.

Turning to students, President Erdoğan described them as the future leaders of Türkiye.

“Dear children, never forget that you are the future of this country. You will lay the building blocks of the great and strong Türkiye. With the successes you achieve, you will be a source of pride for your families, your teachers, and your nation,” he said. Erdoğan also expressed confidence that today’s youth will play vital roles across fields from politics and science to arts, sports, and business, contributing to the vision of the “Century of Türkiye.”

In his remarks, President Erdoğan urged students to remain mindful of their ideals and to keep their hearts connected with oppressed peoples, particularly in Gaza and occupied Palestinian territories.

“Never lose sight of your ideals for yourselves, for your country, and for humanity. Always keep in your minds your brothers and sisters in Gaza and occupied Palestinian lands whose schools have been bombed and whose teachers and friends have been murdered by a gang that is an enemy of humanity,” Erdoğan said.

He concluded his speech by encouraging students to continuously improve themselves, expand their knowledge, and pursue their dreams with confidence. “We will continue doing our utmost to help you achieve your goals. I wholeheartedly believe that you will make the Century of Türkiye come true,” he declared. (ILKHA)