【PDN News】November 22, 2025 – The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in China hosted a celebration for Türkiye’s November 24 Teachers' Day, where guests paid tribute to the group of educators nurturing Turkish youth. In his speech, the Turkish Ambassador to China emphasized the irreplaceable role of teachers, praising that every lesson they deliver is a brick in the foundation of the country’s progress—their passion and patience are gifts we can never repay. The Education Counsellor of the Embassy elaborated on the in-depth significance of the festival: Education is Türkiye’s most precious investment. Teachers do not merely impart knowledge—they nurture curiosity, shape character, and foster the courage to build a better world.

On November 24, 1928, Atatürk promoted Türkiye’s script reform, adopting the Latin alphabet to replace the Arabic alphabet, and founded national schools to popularize the new script. On that very day, he also accepted the title of "Principal of National Schools." In 1981, coinciding with the centenary of Atatürk’s birth, the then President of Türkiye designated this day as Teachers' Day through legislation to commemorate his pioneering contributions to the country’s education cause. Since then, Türkiye has celebrated Teachers' Day every year on November 24.

On the festival each year, Türkiye’s Ministry of National Education leads teacher representatives from all 81 provinces to lay a wreath at Atatürk’s Mausoleum in Ankara and observe a moment of silence to pay their respects. State leaders such as the President deliver speeches or host receptions, not only honoring outstanding teachers but also mentioning measures to safeguard teachers' rights and interests—for example, the plan to introduce the "Teachers' Profession Act" to improve teachers' economic and social status. In schools, students prepare programs such as poetry recitals and dance performances, and present hand-painted paintings, handicrafts, or chrysanthemums known as "Teachers' Flowers" to their teachers. Some schools also hold award ceremonies to issue certificates to excellent teachers. Various commemorative activities are also held among the public, such as memorial ceremonies for fallen teachers and naming campus venues after teachers, to convey respect for educators.