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April 01, 2026 Strong Emphasis on Cooperation with NGOs from Turkish Maarif Foundation

Turkish Maarif Foundation held the 4th Consultation Meeting on Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations at its headquarters in Istanbul in order to strengthen its collaborations with civil society organizations. Representatives of 60 NGOs, which have cooperation protocols with Turkish Maarif Foundation and carry out joint activities in different fields, attended the meeting. The meeting, also attended by Bilal Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the İlim Yayma Foundation, addressed the development of existing collaborations, the creation of new partnership areas, and increasing the contribution of civil society to Türkiye’s educational activities abroad. During the meeting, the importance of enhancing the quality of Türkiye’s international educational activities, making more effective use of the experience and capacity of civil society, and acting jointly as a “soft power” element was emphasized. “The strength of the Maarif Foundation grows through cooperation” Mahmut M. Özdil, President of Turkish Maarif Foundation, drew attention to the foundation’s unique structure and international activities, stating that they are strengthening Türkiye’s global presence in education. Özdil described the current position and priorities of the foundation with the following words: “As of today, we operate in 66 countries around the world. In 56 of these, educational activities are actively ongoing. Our number of students has exceeded 75,000 and the number of educational institutions has surpassed 600. These numerical indicators place Turkish Maarif Foundation among the top five international school networks. While we should not underestimate this importance, we must not forget that the true value lies in the content of the activities. All our efforts are focused on taking measures to improve the quality of education and ensuring the strongest possible support of our civil society organizations in this process.” Emphasizing the strategic importance of collaborations with civil society, Özdil noted that these partnerships enable Türkiye to use its capacity more effectively, stating: “As Turkish Maarif Foundation, we are in an advantageous position; however, one of the most important of these advantages is our cooperation with NGOs. Today, we collaborate with more than 70 NGOs from Türkiye. These partnerships are crucial not only for maintaining current activities but also for strengthening our future projections. Especially from Africa to Europe, through models we have established with civil society, we achieve sustainable and effective results in many areas, from teacher support to curriculum.” “NGOs acting together produce stronger results” Bilal Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the İlim Yayma Foundation, stated in his speech that solidarity among NGOs has increased significantly in recent years and that this unity is a major gain for Türkiye. Erdoğan made evaluations regarding the capacity of civil society to act together: “Bringing our civil society organizations together has long been a practice we have tried to strengthen. Thankfully, instead of structures that do not know each other or have little interaction, a structure has emerged where organizations come together more, develop joint projects, and establish consultation mechanisms. Today, the fact that hundreds of NGOs can gather around a platform and demonstrate a common stance on important issues is the result of this effort.” Pointing to Türkiye’s role and responsibilities in the face of global developments, Erdoğan emphasized the importance of civil society in this process, stating: “The world is entering a period with much more conflict and imbalance. In such an environment, it is crucial for Türkiye to maintain its strong economic and political stance. Türkiye is now a country recognized by everyone as a regional power. For this power to be effective, we must act together with our NGOs and be more active in regions where we have historical and cultural ties. I find it extremely valuable that these consultations turn into concrete collaborations.” Erdoğan concluded his speech by thanking Turkish Maarif Foundation for bringing together Türkiye’s leading NGOs. Call for cooperation from NGO representatives During the consultation session of the meeting, NGO representatives shared their views on improving cooperation with Turkish Maarif Foundation. Participants emphasized the importance of increasing joint projects, particularly in areas such as education, youth, protection of family structure, and international student mobility. A representative of the Istanbul Family Foundation stated that joint projects could be developed with Turkish Maarif Foundation to protect family structure and highlighted the need for awareness activities targeting youth, families, and education administrators in the countries where the foundation operates. The President of the Turkish Foundation for Gifted and Talented Children expressed appreciation for the global educational activities of Turkish Maarif Foundation and stated their readiness to cooperate in identifying gifted students abroad and bringing them to Türkiye. The Vice Chairman of MÜSİAD also noted that, as the business community, they closely follow Maarif schools during international visits and emphasized that these schools should be supported. He added that businesspeople would be encouraged to contribute to Turkish Maarif Foundation schools. The meeting concluded with an exchange of views and an evaluation of cooperation opportunities. ...

March 27, 2026 Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Kurtulmuş Visits Maarif School in Romania

Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM), Numan Kurtulmuş, visited the International Maarif Schools in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, as part of his official visit. During the visit, Kurtulmuş met with representatives of the Turkish community and received information from officials about the school’s educational activities. Prior to the program, he toured the school, visited classrooms, engaged in conversations with students, and presented them with various gifts. He also met with Türkiye Maarif Foundation Romania Representative Alparslan Ateş, school administrators, and teachers, and was briefed on the educational system and ongoing activities of the Maarif schools. Addressing Turkish citizens during the program held in Bucharest, Kurtulmuş highlighted Türkiye’s efforts in the field of cultural diplomacy. Emphasizing the importance of the overseas activities carried out by institutions such as the Türkiye Maarif Foundation, TİKA, and the Yunus Emre Institute, he stated: “We are extremely pleased to see that through these institutions, Türkiye follows the traces of its past while building strong bridges of friendship in Asia, Africa, and many other parts of the world.” Kurtulmuş underlined that Türkiye’s humanitarian aid and educational initiatives across different regions are not limited to specific communities, drawing attention to the global role undertaken by the Türkiye Maarif Foundation. He said: “As someone who has witnessed that Maarif Schools are established not only in regions with Ottoman descendants or Turkish communities but also in African and Asian countries with different languages, religions, and cultures, striving to provide education to local populations, I can say this confidently. I have also observed firsthand how TİKA supports local development projects worldwide and how these projects improve the living conditions of communities. These are not only a source of pride for Türkiye; they represent a perspective and understanding that we, as a nation, offer to the world.” In his speech, Kurtulmuş also emphasized Türkiye’s humanitarian approach, noting that the activities carried out across different regions are based on shared values and a human-centered perspective. He stated: “Our principle as the Turkish nation is not to exploit people but to cooperate with them; not to oppress but to respect their freedom and fundamental human values; not to discriminate based on religion or ethnicity, but to regard differences as an asset and treat everyone with dignity and equality.” Kurtulmuş also noted that the Turkish and Tatar communities in Romania play an important role in relations between the two countries, serving as a cultural bridge. The program concluded after a question-and-answer session....

March 27, 2026 The 16th Consultation Meeting of Country Representatives Concluded

The 16th Consultation Meeting of Country Representatives, organized to evaluate the educational activities carried out by Turkish Maarif Foundation in different geographies, to strengthen internal coordination, and to determine the goals for the upcoming period, has concluded. Bringing together representatives from 64 countries, the meeting became an important platform where the Foundation’s strategic roadmap was discussed. During the five-day consultation process, comprehensive evaluation meetings were held between central units and country representations. In the meetings where the current situation was addressed, new-term objectives and strategic priorities were put on the table. On the fourth day of the program, a talk was held with journalist-writer Taha Kılınç within the scope of “Maarif Talks,” and the program was enriched with historical and cultural visits. The meeting concluded with a closing program attended by a wide audience. The closing program was attended by the Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Yusuf Tekin, TMF President Mahmut M. Özdil, Ambassador to Baku Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün, as well as foundation executives and staff. “We are a community of brothers serving the same purpose” In his speech at the closing program, Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin drew attention to the founding rationale and mission of Turkish Maarif Foundation. Stating that the foundation holds a special meaning for him, Tekin said: “I do not see myself as a guest at Turkish Maarif Foundation. From my perspective, Turkish Maarif Foundation is a very different institution. Such a structure became necessary in order to overcome the obstacles we encountered while conducting educational activities abroad on behalf of the Republic of Türkiye. Just as in the country, we were also faced with tutelary mechanisms abroad, and this situation made it difficult for Türkiye to implement its own education policies.” Emphasizing that Türkiye has gained significant momentum in the field of education in recent years, Tekin continued by referring to international indicators: “In the 2024 TIMSS scores, we are currently among the top three countries among OECD members. We are receiving the return of the steps we have taken in education. With the FATİH Project, approximately 30 million tablets were distributed with an investment of nearly 10 billion dollars, all classrooms were equipped with interactive boards, and one of the largest educational content networks in the world was established.” Drawing attention to the international role of the Maarif Foundation, Tekin concluded his remarks by saying: “Turkish Maarif Foundation and the Ministry of National Education actually act in line with the same objective. One of us represents Türkiye domestically, the other internationally. Therefore, we are all a community of brothers oriented toward and serving the same purpose.” President Özdil: “We clarified our future orientations” President of Turkish Maarif Foundation Mahmut M. Özdil emphasized that the consultation meetings carry strategic importance for the foundation. Expressing his satisfaction with the meeting achieving its objective, Özdil stated that he sees this meeting as a valuable mechanism in which the strategic vision is determined, the foundation’s goals are placed at the center of focus, and future strategic orientations are clarified. In his speech, President Özdil also made the following evaluations: “Today, the world discusses not only access issues in education but also qualified and comprehensive learning. UNESCO’s 2026 Global Education Monitoring Report, announced very recently, once again reminded us that education systems should not only transfer knowledge but also produce values, and should be resilient and inclusive structures. It is now a reality that education systems are evaluated not only by schooling rates but also by learning outcomes, equality of opportunity, teacher quality, and the resilience of systems against crises. Making quality in education measurable and sustainable, developing inclusive models, and making systems more resilient against global uncertainties are among the main priorities. Türkiye, with its deep-rooted educational tradition and the reform will it has demonstrated in recent years, is not outside these global discussions; on the contrary, it is an active subject of them. Turkish Maarif Foundation, as one of the actors carrying this vision internationally, represents Türkiye’s understanding of education, its perspective on quality, and the value it gives to people in every country where it operates. In this context, the importance we attach to the quality management system, our continuous efforts to improve our educational content, and our endeavor to create inclusive educational environments in different geographies are both aligned with global trends and strongly overlap with Türkiye’s education vision.” Drawing attention to institutional unity and common goals, Özdil concluded his speech with the following words: “Although we serve in different geographies, we have a common goal: raising good individuals and representing our country in the best possible way. We must continue to act in harmony by seeing our differences as richness.” In line with the evaluations made throughout the meeting, the roadmap of Turkish Maarif Foundation for the upcoming period was shaped. Important steps were determined to strengthen institutional capacity and to establish a more effective structure on a global scale. ...

March 25, 2026 The 16th Consultation Meeting of Country Representatives of Turkish Maarif Foundation Has Begun

Turkish Maarif Foundation is holding its 16th Country Representatives Consultation Meeting in Istanbul.At the meeting, held at the Foundation’s headquarters,  President of TMF Mahmut M. Özdil delivered an opening address in which he conveyed important messages regarding both the Foundation’s achievements over the past 10 years and its activities on a global scale.The meeting was attended by members of the Board of Trustees, members of the Executive Board, and representatives serving in various countries around the world.In his opening remarks, President Özdil expressed his “pleasure in welcoming all representatives to their home,” and expressed his hope that this year’s meeting would be as productive as those in previous years. “We organized iftar meals in 20 countries, bringing thousands of people together at the same table”Emphasizing that Turkish Maarif Foundation organized iftar programs in 20 different countries this year, Özdil noted that these programs welcomed not only Muslim communities but also people from different religions and cultures.Özdil highlighted how these programs contribute to international dialogue by sharing notable examples of iftars held in various countries around the world.“Maarif Foundation: A New Model for Public Service on the International Stage”President of the Foundation noted that TMF’s structural characteristics cannot be easily compared to similar examples worldwide:“We are not merely a cultural diplomacy institution; we are a unique entity that trains teachers, implements curricula, administers exams, and provides public services abroad.”Özdil, noting that similar educational institutions in other countries do not fully cover TMF’s scope of activities, said the Foundation will eventually occupy a special place in academic literature and added, “This situation imposes a heavy public responsibility on us; moreover, not just a single, but a dual responsibility. A responsibility toward the Republic of Türkiye, the Turkish people, and our state; and a responsibility toward the institutions, authorities, and most importantly, the families in the countries where we operate.When our flag flies and our schools open across a vast geography stretching from Senegal to Kyrgyzstan, from Austria to Peru, what is at stake is not merely an educational activity, but also a state commitment, a serious legal obligation, and above all, a trust we have placed in our students and their families. We must never forget the awareness and responsibility that comes with this trust. “I believe that this unique structure of Turkish Maarif Foundation will, in the future, become a focal point of academic interest not only in Turkey but also in the fields of comparative law and public administration. In fact, the work we are conducting is opening a new path in this literature; it is building a new model and perhaps adding a new dimension to the theory of public service,” he said.Operations in 66 countries, active contacts in 121 countriesÖzdil announced that the TMF continues its actual educational activities in 66 countries, noting that work is ongoing in Sudan and São Tomé and Príncipe, bringing the total number of countries where activities are conducted to 66.He also noted that the Foundation maintains active contacts in 121 countries and conducts planning activities in 132 countries: “This scale now signifies not merely operational success but a presence that has evolved into a global anchor of stability and trust,” he remarked.10th-Anniversary Assessment and Three Strategic GoalsDuring the speech, it was also announced that a comprehensive assessment process had been launched to mark the Foundation’s 10th anniversary. It was noted that the Foundation will focus on three key strategic pillars in the coming period: financial sustainability, strengthening educational content, and enhancing institutional capacity and developing a quality management system.Turkish language instruction and “increasing students’ motivation to learn Turkish” were also highlighted as strategic priorities.Kyrgyzstan and international achievementsÖzdil drew attention to the academic achievements attained following the takeover of FETÖ-affiliated schools in Kyrgyzstan. He emphasized that TMF students have achieved notable rankings in national and international competitions.Activities of the Maarif Agency and Research CentersNoting that academic collaborations are continuing to grow, the President stated that the international education fairs organized by the Maarif Agency have attracted significant interest. He also noted that the Turkey Research Centers play a critical role in transferring academic expertise from both Turkey and the countries where they operate to the institution.The 16th Turkey Maarif Foundation Country Representatives and Consultation Meeting will continue over the next four days with presentations, evaluations, and discussions....

March 25, 2026 A Breath of Science in Africa: Science Fest Africa

The Turkey Maarif Foundation (TMV) continues to make multifaceted contributions to the region’s development by integrating its educational activities on the African continent with science, technology, and culture. Science Fest Abidjan (SFA), a prime example of this vision, aims to bring African youth together around science and innovation. As a product of Turkey’s humanitarian and entrepreneurial approach spanning education, science, culture, and the arts, Science Fest Abidjan goes beyond being a mere science festival to emerge as a strategic platform contributing to Africa’s development. The Turkey Maarif Foundation, which operates one of the world’s largest educational networks, currently provides education to over 23,000 students across 27 African countries, preparing young people for the future in a comprehensive manner. The Foundation educates its students not only for academic success but also to become well-rounded individuals equipped with skills in scientific, technological, social, and cultural fields. This approach makes a significant contribution to the development of qualified human resources for Africa’s sustainable development. Held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in 2025, Science Fest Abidjan garnered attention as one of the continent’s largest science and technology events. The festival featured approximately 200 high school students from 22 different African countries and 40 original projects. For this year’s second edition of the Festival, 25 countries across Africa participated in the application process. In the competition, which received a total of 160 project submissions from Maarif schools, innovative works spanning various fields—from agricultural technologies to artificial intelligence, and from environmental solutions to robotics—are taking center stage. This gathering serves not only as an event where projects are showcased but also as an international science platform where young people from different countries share knowledge and experiences.The Turkey Maarif Foundation does not limit its contribution to Africa’s development to education alone. Through organizations such as Science Fest Abidjan and the Mali Sports Games, it brings together young talents from different countries to support cultural exchange and social development. The Foundation also plays a significant role in the internationalization of TEKNOFEST, enabling thousands of African students to participate in this process each year. In this way, young people gain the skills to contribute to their countries’ development while integrating into the global technology ecosystem.What is SFA aiming for? Science Fest Abidjan continues to serve as a powerful platform that unlocks young people’s potential and prepares them for the future, embodying the Turkey Maarif Foundation’s vision for Africa. This holistic approach adopted by the Foundation offers a people-centered and sustainable model for Africa’s development while building a vital bridge that connects the continent’s youth with science and technology....

March 12, 2026 The 105th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Turkish National Anthem Commemorated Worldwide

Turkish Maarif Foundation continues to preserve and promote national and spiritual values through its educational institutions operating in 64 countries. On the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the adoption of the Turkish National Anthem on March 12, events held at Maarif schools around the world introduced the anthem—symbolizing Türkiye’s independence—to different cultures. Thousands of Maarif students speaking different languages voiced the National Anthem with the same spirit and enthusiasm, carrying Türkiye’s message of independence to a universal dimension.Maarif Schools in Cameroon organized various competitions and activities under the theme “Do Not Fear! The Spirit of Youth Is Here.” During the program attended by the Ambassador to Yaoundé, Volkan Öskiper, participants examined paintings and essays prepared by Maarif students inspired by the theme of the Turkish National Anthem. Within the scope of the program, students who ranked in the essay and painting competitions received their awards.In Bosnia and Herzegovina, an art exhibition prepared by students of Sarajevo Maarif Schools was opened under the auspices of the Embassy of Türkiye in Sarajevo. On the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the adoption of the Turkish National Anthem, National Poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy and all martyrs were commemorated with respect, mercy, and gratitude. The opening of the exhibition, consisting of works inspired by the Turkish National Anthem and created by Maarif students, was held with the participation of the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Sarajevo, Emin Akseki.Students of Maarif School USA, operating in the United States, also organized events under the theme “The Turkish National Anthem: Symbol of Independence.” The National Anthem, performed collectively by students from different grade levels, created proud moments for the participants.A commemoration program was also held at the Tetovo Campus of International Maarif Schools in North Macedonia to mark March 12, the anniversary of the adoption of the Turkish National Anthem. Following the program, an award ceremony was held for the Essay and Painting Competition themed “Do Not Fear, The Spirit of Youth Is Here,” organized with the sponsorship of Halkbank and the contributions of MATÜSİTEB. Students from across North Macedonia participated in the competition, and those who ranked received their awards from the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Skopje, Fatih Ulusoy, and other protocol members attending the program.Maarif Schools, which offer modern educational technologies together with national values, crown their success at international standards with such meaningful ceremonies....