The “Turkey’s Century Education Model Private Schools Teachers’ Workshop” was held at the YTÜ Davutpaşa Congress and Culture Center in collaboration with Yıldız Technical University, the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, and the Private Education Association (ÖZDER). Deputy Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Cihad Demirli stated, “It is of the utmost importance to us that the conceptual framework finds its place in the classroom through the experiences of our teachers and the enlightening and thought-provoking insights gained from practical applications in the field.”

The Turkey Century Maarif Model Private School Teachers’ Workshop, hosted by Yıldız Technical University, was held under the theme “The Journey from Knowledge to Wisdom in the Maarif Model.” The workshop, which addressed not only the transfer of knowledge in education but also the dimensions of values, virtue, and wisdom, featured discussions on the implementation processes of the model in private educational institutions and the sharing of teachers’ on-the-ground experiences.

An Approach to Education Focused on Knowledge, Wisdom, and Virtue

The program was attended by Deputy Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Cihad Demirli; ÖSYM President Prof. Dr. Bayram Ali Ersoy; Yıldız Technical University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya; Istanbul Provincial Deputy Director of National Education Özcan Türkoğlu; ÖZDER Acting President Ömer Günaydın, ÖZDER Istanbul President Mücahit Oltu, and former member of the Ministry of National Education’s Curriculum and Instruction Board Dr. Mehmet Baki Öztürk, as well as numerous private school administrators and teachers.

In his speech, Deputy Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Cihad Demirli highlighted the importance of the concept of “the journey from knowledge to wisdom” in the philosophy of education. Noting that knowledge must be linked to the process of seeking truth by drawing on various sources, Demirli said, “The journey from knowledge to wisdom is not a simple concept.”

Stressing the need to continuously refine the “Turkey Century Education Model” through practical applications in the field, Demirli noted that teachers’ experiences serve as a vital resource in this process. Demirli said, “It is extremely important for us that the intellectual framework finds its counterpart in the classroom through the mind-opening and thought-provoking insights derived from our teachers’ experiences in the field.”

Pointing out that the education system must be approached as a whole—from preschool through the end of higher education—Demirli noted that private educational institutions are also an important component of this whole. Demirli highlighted the importance of supporting teachers’ professional and personal development.

“Education is the foundation of civilization”

ÖSYM President Prof. Dr. Bayram Ali Ersoy, meanwhile, emphasized the ideal of nurturing human beings, noting that education should not be viewed merely as a process of acquiring knowledge. Evaluating education as one of the fundamental elements of building a civilization, Ersoy said, “To build a civilization that prioritizes ethics and spirituality, we have all collectively adopted the profession of the Prophet as our own.”

Drawing attention to the human-centered approach of the Turkey Century Education Model, Ersoy said, “I fully endorse and support the Turkey Century Education Model, which places competent and virtuous individuals at its center.”

“Working with people is a privileged calling”

Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya, Vice Rector of Yıldız Technical University, also emphasized the importance of individuals, through education, turning toward their own responsibilities and the purpose of their creation. Noting that the human being is at the center of education, Karakaya stated, “The human being is the essence of the world. They are the subject of every activity concerning existence. Therefore, working with people is a privileged task.”

Noting that understanding the human being is one of the fundamental elements of educational activities, Karakaya said that knowledge must contribute to a person’s understanding of the world and themselves. Karakaya said, “Understand the human being. As the human being is understood, the cause becomes clear, and we find peace of mind through the cause-and-effect relationship.”

Stating that the educational process cannot be reduced to mere knowledge transfer, Karakaya highlighted Nurettin Topçu’s words: “A lesson learned in school is either a concept, which becomes part of the imagination; or a skill, which is mastered by the hand; or a will, added to our power; or a love, poured into the heart,” and stressed that education must be approached in conjunction with its dimensions of thought, skill, will, and values.

“Every effort that touches our teachers reaches our students”

Özcan Türkoğlu, Deputy Director of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, also highlighted Istanbul’s position in the field of education and the role of teachers in the implementation of the Maarif Model. Noting that efforts are continuing in line with the roadmap set forth by the Ministry, Türkoğlu stated that the outcomes of the workshop will contribute to education policies.

Türkoğlu said, “We know that every initiative that impacts our teachers will reach every home and every household. We know it will reach our students,” he said. Noting that the Turkey Century Maarif Model will be implemented this year at all levels except for the final grades, Türkoğlu emphasized the importance of teachers embracing the model.

The role of private schools in implementation was evaluated

ÖZDER Deputy Chairman Ömer Günaydın stated that private schools could play a significant role in the implementation of the Turkey Century Education Model. Stating that ÖZDER’s primary goal is to contribute to the quality of education in line with the general objectives of Turkish national education, Günaydın said:

“We should not view education merely as the transfer of knowledge. We must find ways to attain wisdom and engage in efforts that transform knowledge into wisdom. If we, as teachers, serve as role models for our children and apply the knowledge we have learned through our own behavior, we will achieve the greatest success in guiding our children on the path from knowledge to wisdom. Private schools serve as practical workshops in the implementation of the Turkey Century Education Model.”

“Competition in education must be virtuous”

Mücahit Oltu, President of ÖZDER Istanbul, noted that cooperation and competition among educational institutions will enhance quality, stating, “However, this competition must be virtuous. We will compete not by stepping on one another’s toes, but by holding hands and lifting each other up.”

Oltu also highlighted Istanbul’s potential in the field of education, saying, “If Istanbul moves forward, education moves forward; if Istanbul produces, the world benefits.”

At the workshop, where teachers shared their field experiences and the implementation processes of the “Turkey’s Century Education Model” were evaluated, workshop sessions were held to contribute to the development of educational approaches at private educational institutions.