News
-
August 11, 2026 Champions of International Maarif Turkish Debate Project AnnouncedThe final event of the International Maarif Turkish Debate Project for the 2025–2026 academic year was held in Istanbul. Organized by Turkish Maarif Foundation, the project aims to improve students’ ability to use Turkish effectively, think critically and express themselves accurately.Approximately 250 students studying at Turkish Maarif Foundation schools and education centres participated in the project, which was held for the third time this year and has become a tradition. Following eight weeks of debate workshops, 48 teams from 24 countries applied to participate in the tournament. At the end of the online preliminary and elimination rounds, followed by the quarter-final and semi-final matches, four teams from four countries qualified for the final event in Istanbul.16 Students from Four Countries Meet in IstanbulIn the category for students who use Turkish as their mother tongue, Sarajevo Team from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hâr-ı Bülbül Team from Azerbaijan advanced to the final. In the category for students learning Turkish as a foreign language, Belâgat-ı Herat Team from Afghanistan and Quetta Girls’ High School Team from Pakistan qualified for the final.As part of the final event, which brought together 16 students from four countries and their supervising teachers, interview recordings were conducted on 20 July 2026. The final matches were recorded at TRT Studios on 21 July.Following the highly exciting matches, Hâr-ı Bülbül Team from Azerbaijan became the champion in the category for students who use Turkish as their mother tongue. Quetta Girls’ High School Team from Pakistan won first place in the category for students learning Turkish as a foreign language.The award ceremony was held on 22 July 2026 at the headquarters of Turkish Maarif Foundation in Üsküdar. The event was attended by Turkish Maarif Foundation President Mahmut M. Özdil, Vice President Prof. Dr Ahmet Emre Bilgili, project coordinators, teachers and finalist students.Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish Maarif Foundation President Mahmut M. Özdil stated that all the students who had reached the final after a long preparation process had achieved significant success. Emphasising that debate offers students a wide range of benefits beyond learning Turkish, Özdil said that the students had developed their ability to assess different ideas, approach issues from various perspectives, structure their thoughts and express them accurately.Özdil said:“Regardless of the language, it is important that you have learned to think, question your own thoughts and develop different perspectives by asking, ‘We can look at this issue from this side, but what would we encounter if we looked at it from the other side?’ I believe that this competition has contributed not only to your Turkish language skills but also to your ability to organise and accurately express your thoughts.”Özdil encouraged the students not to see themselves as foreigners in Istanbul, but as representatives of a shared civilizational heritage. He also highlighted the importance of students from different countries coming together within the same linguistic and cultural environment.Turkish Maarif Foundation Vice President and Chair of the Debate Jury Prof. Dr Ahmet Emre Bilgili also congratulated the finalist students and noted that the matches had been highly competitive. Stating that the competition was the outcome of a long and intensive preparation process, Bilgili said that the students had reached the final by conducting research and reflecting deeply on the debate topics.Pointing out that the difference in scores between the first- and second-place teams was very small in both categories, Bilgili said:“Reaching the final is a major achievement in itself. In both categories, the difference between first and second place was extremely small. This result demonstrates how closely matched the teams were. Therefore, all the finalists successfully completed the competition.”Bilgili advised the students to make the most of their programme in Istanbul, emphasising that city tours provide an important learning opportunity. He encouraged the students to examine carefully the monuments and historical works they encountered during their visits to the Bosphorus, Sultanahmet and the Historic Peninsula, listen attentively to the information provided and take notes. He also recommended that they keep a digital or written travel journal about their visit to Istanbul.Language Skills Integrated with Critical ThinkingInternational Maarif Turkish Debate Project aims not only to enable students to use Turkish effectively and accurately, but also to strengthen their skills in conducting research, developing theses and antitheses, substantiating their ideas and speaking before an audience.Combining prepared and impromptu speaking activities, the project helps students build self-confidence, work collaboratively and approach differing opinions with respect. It also provides a multidimensional learning environment that integrates students’ linguistic competence with critical thinking, moral awareness and persuasive communication skills....
-
March 10, 2026 The Blessings of Ramadan at Maarif TablesTurkish Maarif Foundation continues to keep alive the spirit of sharing and brotherhood during Ramadan through iftar programs organized across different regions of the world. From Europe to Africa, from the Middle East to the Balkans, students, parents, diplomatic representatives, academics, and representatives of Turkish institutions came together at the same table during iftar programs held in many countries. While reflecting the atmosphere of unity, solidarity, and brotherhood of Ramadan, these programs also became a concrete expression of the Maarif family culture.RomaniaFamilies, diplomatic representatives, and prominent members of the Turkish community gathered at the same table during the iftar program held in Romania. Representatives from the embassies of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Palestine also attended the program. TMF Board of Trustees Member Prof. Dr. Zarife Seçer, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bucharest Özgür Kıvanç Altan, Romania’s Mufti Yusuf Murat, and TMF Romania Representative Alpaslan Ateş delivered speeches. The program was also attended by representatives from the business community, civil society organizations, and many guests from the education sector.SomaliaThe iftar program held in Somalia became a meaningful gathering touching the dreams of young people. At the iftar program organized at the Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mogadishu Alper Aktaş, and Somali families came together. During the program, Mohamud Ali Suri, a student at Somali International Maarif Schools, had the opportunity to express his dream of becoming a diplomat to Ambassador Aktaş and Minister Ali. This meeting, held on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Somalia, demonstrated that the friendship between the two countries will grow even stronger through new generations.Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe iftar program organized in the city of Gračanica in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the cooperation of Turkish Maarif Foundation and Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality highlighted the themes of brotherhood and sharing. An art exhibition prepared by Maarif students was also presented to visitors. Speaking at the program, Kocaeli Metropolitan Mayor Tahir Büyükakın emphasized the spirit of abundance and solidarity during Ramadan.AnkaraStudents who graduated from Turkish Maarif Foundation schools and continue their university education in Ankara also came together at an iftar program. The program, held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Education Facilities, was attended by Deputy Minister of Interior Mehmet Cangir, AK Party Women’s Branch Chair Tuğba Işık Ercan, and foundation officials. In his speech, Deputy Minister Cangir emphasized that students are the essential members of the Maarif Foundation family and said: “We opened our schools for you. You graduated from them and now you are studying in Türkiye. I wish you success. My most fundamental advice to you is never to lose the bond of brotherhood among yourselves.” AK Party Women’s Branch Chair Ercan stated: “I hope our valuable students will continue to maintain their sense of belonging both to our country and to the Maarif family even after graduating from Maarif.”BulgariaThe iftar program organized by Maarif Private Kindergarten in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, brought together students, parents, and guests at the same table. Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sofia Mehmet Sait Uyanık, embassy representatives, school administrators, students, and parents attended the program. The gathering reinforced the spirit of unity and togetherness during Ramadan.TunisiaRepresentatives from diplomacy, education, and civil society gathered at the iftar program organized in Tunisia. The program was attended by TMF Board of Trustees Member Hasan Taşçı, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tunisia Ahmet Misbah Demircan, TMF Board Member Mustafa Çaltılı, Maarif school administrators, academics, parents, and students. Ambassador Demircan emphasized that no being in nature lives solely for itself, stating that the fundamental principle of life is to exist for others. He noted that Ramadan strengthens the awareness of coexistence and that iftar tables are a concrete reflection of unity and brotherhood. Speaking at the program, TMF Board of Trustees Member Hasan Taşçı highlighted the significance of coming together in the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan. Recalling the verse from the Holy Qur’an, “They prefer others over themselves even though they are in need,” Taşçı stated that the consciousness of sharing and brotherhood forms the basis of the Maarif understanding.SyriaThe “Brotherhood and Gathering Iftar” program organized by Turkish Maarif Foundation and Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality in Damascus, the capital of Syria, was held with strong participation. Syria’s Deputy Minister of Defense Fehim İsa, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Damascus Nuh Yılmaz, diplomatic representatives of various countries, and Turkmens from different regions of Syria attended the program. Within the scope of the program, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Turkish Maarif Foundation and the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, establishing the legal framework for the foundation’s activities in Syria.QatarThe iftar program held in Doha, the capital of Qatar, was hosted by the Embassy of Türkiye in Doha. The program was attended by Turkish Maarif Foundation President Mahmut M. Özdil, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Doha Dr. Mustafa Göksu, TMF Board Members, representatives of Turkish institutions and organizations, and Maarif scholarship students studying in Qatar. In his speech, Ambassador Göksu emphasized the educational cooperation between Türkiye and Qatar, noting that many joint initiatives in the field of education have been implemented between the two countries. Stating that sharing the joy of Ramadan in a brotherly country holds a special meaning for them, Göksu underlined that educational relations constitute an important dimension of Türkiye–Qatar ties.Following the presentation, President Mahmut M. Özdil shared information about the foundation’s activities. Emphasizing their aim to continue providing quality education in different regions of the world and to build bridges between cultures, Özdil stated: “As an international education network providing education in different parts of the world, we were pleased to meet with our students in Qatar as well. We thank our Ambassador Göksu for his efforts and support.”...
-
February 23, 2026 Maarif Preschool Materials Now in Use at Medeniyet UniversityWithin the scope of the cooperation between Turkish Maarif Foundation and the Faculty of Educational Sciences of Istanbul Medeniyet University, a donation of materials was made to the Practice Classroom of the Preschool Teaching Program. Educational materials developed by Turkish Maarif Foundation to support the IM Curriculum, which is implemented in more than 10 countries, have begun to be used at the Faculty of Educational Sciences of Istanbul Medeniyet University. The material support, aimed at improving the quality of pre-service teacher education, was formalized through a program held at the IMU Göztepe North Campus. The program was attended by Prof. Dr. Zarife Seçer, Member of the Board of Trustees of Turkish Maarif Foundation and Head of Department; Prof. Dr. Yaşar Bülbül, Vice Rector of Istanbul Medeniyet University; Prof. Dr. Eyüp Sevimli, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences; Vice Deans Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatice Fakioğlu Bağcı and Asst. Prof. Dr. Mutlu Aksoy; as well as faculty members. The contributions of the materials supplied by Caka Toys, Umay Ahşap, Nar Çocuk, and Timaş Çocuk to faculty education were emphasized, and plaques of appreciation were presented to the representatives of the supporting institutions. In the section of the program held in the Practice Classroom, a presentation was delivered by Şule Toyran, Head of the Department of Education and Training Practices at Turkish Maarif Foundation. The presentation highlighted the role of materials specifically designed for the “International Maarif (IM) Curriculum” in child development and their impact on educational processes. The attending delegation examined the materials displayed in the workshop classroom. Thanks to the material support provided, preschool teacher candidates at the Faculty of Educational Sciences had the opportunity to closely familiarize themselves with the International Maarif Schools Preschool Program. This process not only provided teacher candidates with a national but also an international educational perspective, but also enabled them to gain insight into the content and approaches implemented in different countries. Through this material support, it is aimed that preschool teacher candidates reinforce their theoretical knowledge with practice and experience the international education standards offered by the IM Curriculum....
-
February 22, 2026 Invitation of Embassy of Türkiye to a Somali Maarif StudentMohamud Ali Suri, a 10th-grade student at the KM4 Boys Campus of Somali International Maarif Schools, drew the attention of the Embassy in Mogadishu with his goal of becoming a diplomat. During a speech in class, the student expressed his desire to represent his country internationally, and his ambition was commended by the Ambassador of Türkiye to Mogadishu, Alper Aktaş. As part of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Somalia, an iftar program was organized at the Embassy. The event was also attended by Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, along with his delegation. On the occasion of this special anniversary, the Embassy invited Mohamud Ali Suri to the iftar program. The student thus had the opportunity to meet the Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This invitation became a concrete indicator that the friendship between Türkiye and Somalia will be further strengthened through future generations....
-
February 13, 2026 Social Responsibility Project from Maarif Schools of SerbiaMaarif Schools of Serbia carried out an important event as part of their ongoing social responsibility initiatives. Turkish Maarif Foundation, which provides education to a total of 594 students in its 11 schools across the country, continues its activities aimed at raising social awareness. Maarif Baby Palace Kindergarten organized a blood and stem cell donation campaign to support leukemia patients. Launched under the slogan “Give Life,” the campaign was carried out in cooperation with the Association for the Fight Against Acute Leukemia and the Serbian Blood Transfusion Institute. During the event, attended by parents, teachers, and staff, donors brought hope to leukemia patients, while the vital importance of blood and stem cell donation was once again emphasized within the community. Reaching over 75,000 students in 64 countries, Turkish Maarif Foundation aims to strengthen the culture of solidarity and benevolence both among students and in society through similar social responsibility projects....
-
February 11, 2026 Emphasis on “Equal Partnership” in AfricaTurkish Maarif Foundation places the concept of “equal partnership” at the forefront of its Africa strategy. Operating in 27 countries across the continent, the Foundation continues its activities with a vision of a shared future and the “common good” in Africa. As part of his visit to Senegal, President of Turkish Maarif Foundation Mahmut M. Özdil inspected the Foundation’s educational activities on site and visited Maarif schools together with Türkiye’s Ambassador to Dakar, Nur Sağman. Accompanied by Ambassador Sağman, Özdil also met with Senegal’s Minister of National Education, Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, where he explained the strategic transformation in Türkiye’s perspective toward the African continent. Rejecting conventional approaches toward Africa based on “aid” or “romanticism,” Özdil underlined that Türkiye’s engagement with the continent is grounded in mutual benefit. Emphasizing their aim to deepen educational activities in Africa on the basis of an “equal partnership,” Özdil stated, “If the future of the world lies in Africa, we want to serve these lands with their young population and great potential, and also learn from them.” Sharing key messages regarding the Foundation’s educational vision, Özdil noted that their primary goal is not only to raise individuals who will build successful careers, but also “to educate generations who are in harmony with their own culture, homeland, and social fabric.” President Özdil stated that the Foundation, which operates in 64 countries, has nearly 75,000 students and has become one of the largest international school networks in the world in terms of geographical presence and student numbers. He underlined that Africa, where they operate 175 schools in 27 countries, holds a special and central position for the Foundation. “This is not a relationship built on the idea that ‘we know a lot, we are coming to tell you about our experience.’ On the contrary, it is an equal relationship. We have much to learn from Africa as well. We approach Africa not with romanticism or pity, but with an awareness of its rich resources. Knowing that these riches will play a crucial role for all of us and for the world, we design our activities to ensure that they contribute to placing African people in the position they deserve. Therefore, Africa occupies a central place in Turkish Maarif Foundation’s entire strategic planning and long-term vision,” he said.Goal of Establishing Türkiye Studies Centers at African UniversitiesÖzdil also drew attention to the need to enhance academic cooperation between Türkiye and Africa, stating that they aim to establish Türkiye Studies Centers in collaboration with universities across the continent. “Rather than knowing each other through secondary sources, we need to identify our needs by engaging directly and producing knowledge together. Therefore, by establishing Türkiye Studies Centers in cooperation with leading universities in the countries where we operate in Africa, we aim to enrich these academic collaborations and ensure that the activities of Turkish Maarif Foundation continue within a stronger and academically solid framework,” he said....
-
February 10, 2026 TEKNOFEST 2026 Introduced at Kosovo Maarif SchoolsKosovo Maarif Schools hosted the promotional program of TEKNOFEST 2026, the world’s largest aviation, space, and technology festival. The TEKNOFEST 2026 Promotion Program, organized by T3 Foundation, was held at the Prizren Campus of Kosovo International Maarif Schools. Many students and invited guests from different schools in the region attended the event. The main objective of the program was announced as inspiring young minds in Kosovo and encouraging them to participate in these large-scale global technology competitions. During the seminar, participants were informed about the competition categories, application processes, and the event schedule. Representatives of the T3 Foundation who attended the event showed close interest in future engineering candidates. Turkish Maarif Foundation, one of the most important stakeholders in making TEKNOFEST an international brand, serves as a gateway to technology for students opening up to the world....