November 24 Teachers' Day

November 24 Teachers’ Day is an annual observance in Türkiye aimed at emphasizing the social importance of the teaching profession, strengthening solidarity among teachers, and highlighting the status of teaching in society. The date was chosen based on the fact that Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk accepted the title of Chief Teacher of People’s Schools on November 24, 1928. The observance of Teachers’ Day in Türkiye began in 1981, in accordance with a circular issued to mark the centenary of Atatürk’s birth, and has since been regulated by various ordinances.

President Atatürk teaching History at the Adana Girls’ Institute (Anadolu Agency)

Historical Background

The designation of November 24 as Teachers’ Day is directly linked to the establishment of People’s Schools and Atatürk’s pivotal role in the national education campaign. Following the enactment of the Law on the Adoption of the Turkish Alphabet on November 1, 1928, a nationwide literacy campaign was launched to teach the new alphabet to the public. In this context, the People’s Schools Regulation was issued on November 24, 1928, and on the same day Atatürk accepted the title of Chief Teacher of People’s Schools.

People’s Schools began operations on January 1, 1929. In these institutions, designed to increase public literacy, Atatürk personally took up the chalkboard in various provinces to teach the new letters. These efforts constituted a crucial phase in the nationwide expansion of education as envisioned by the Republic’s cultural and educational policies.

In 1981, as part of the centenary celebrations of Atatürk’s birth, it was decided that November 24—the day he accepted the title of Chief Teacher—would be officially recognized as Teachers’ Day, and it has been commemorated annually since then.

Atatürk’s Educational Philosophy and the Title of Chief Teacher

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk placed special emphasis on education among his reforms, viewing the elevation of societal educational standards as the fundamental condition for modernization. He defined his educational goals as fostering a civilization grounded in science, preserving and strengthening cultural values, and cultivating individuals capable of meeting the demands of their time.

By accepting the title of Chief Teacher, Atatürk personally stood before the blackboard to teach the new alphabet during the literacy campaign, aiming to extend educational activities to all segments of society. He described teaching as his “true personality” and stated that had he not become President, he would have chosen to serve as Minister of National Education.^【1】

His educational views were founded on the necessity of nurturing generations capable of shaping the nation’s future in terms of culture, knowledge, and character. Within this framework, the social responsibility assigned to teachers held particular significance, and the teaching profession became one of the foundational elements of Republican modernization.

Commemorative Practices

Commemorations Under the Regulations

According to the “Regulation on the Commemoration of Teachers’ Day” issued by the Ministry of National Education, the purpose of November 24 is to reinforce unity and solidarity among teachers, enhance professional solidarity, preserve the value of the teaching profession in society, and raise public awareness of its importance.

The objectives outlined in the regulation are as follows:

• Ensuring unity and solidarity among teachers in accordance with Atatürk’s principles and reforms,
• Strengthening bonds of affection and respect among teachers,
• Ensuring that teachers who have completed their training take the professional oath,
• Honoring retired teachers for their service,
• Introducing the teaching profession to the public and enhancing its prestige,
• Honoring teacher martyrs and veterans.

A photograph taken during the Teachers’ Day observance on November 24 (Anadolu Agency)

Teachers’ Day is also the day on which the New Teachers’ Oath Ceremony is held. The oath text specified in the regulation contains a commitment by prospective teachers to assume their professional responsibilities within the constitutional and ethical framework.