Formation and Development of the National Education System in Turkey during the Period of Ataturk

Abstract

The article considers the period of formation and development of the national education system of Turkey, which was considered the most important factor of the education system during Ataturk's period. In order for the newly created young state to be viable, it was necessary to equip the young generation with modern education and educate them in the national spirit. After that, with the declaration of the Republic of Turkey, the period of fundamental reconstruction in education policy began. Ataturk not only laid the foundations of the Republic, but was able to become a leader of national modernization. The most important of his reforms are his reform initiatives in the field of education. Between 1923 and 1938, these changes, which took years in some countries, took place very quickly in Turkey. Under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, national, secular and modern education reforms began to be implemented gradually. Reforms implemented within the framework of education policy satisfied the basic needs of the society. The Law «On Unification of Education», adopted on the eve of the establishment of the Republic, revitalized the work of scientific institutions. Reforms of the alphabet, the system of national schools, and university education raised the educational and intellectual level of the country. Adoption of the law «On the unification of education» renewed school programs, created favorable conditions for the large number of foreign scientists to be attracted to universities, and the introduction of modern pedagogical technologies into the field of education. The article comprehensively examines the education system based on European science and education standards in Turkey, and analyzes modern foreign experience and proposed educational directions.