December 27, 2025
The President of Turkish Maarif Foundation, Mahmut M. Özdil, appeared as a guest on the program “Bir Kahve Bin Havadis” broadcast on TRT Avaz, where he shared his assessments on the Foundation’s educational vision, the values it upholds, and its activities carried out across six continents. Representatives of Turkish Maarif Foundation from Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Iraq also participated in the program, providing information about their fieldwork.
During the program, attention was drawn to the international reach of Turkish Maarif Foundation, emphasizing that it currently operates in 64 countries across six continents. Stating that the Foundation has achieved a significant expansion in the field of international education with its ten years of experience, Özdil noted that the Foundation’s main purpose is to share Türkiye’s deep-rooted experience in education with the world. Emphasizing that Turkish Maarif Foundation is one of the five international educational organizations with the most extensive education network worldwide, Özdil said:
“Turkish Maarif Foundation was established to provide formal and non-formal education services abroad within the framework of humanity’s shared heritage and values. Türkiye truly has a rich accumulation of experience in education.”
Özdil stated that the educational approach of Turkish Maarif Foundation is not limited solely to academic achievement, explaining that the concept of ‘maarif’ represents a holistic approach encompassing culture, wisdom, and the individual’s journey of self-discovery along with knowledge. He emphasized that the Foundation acts on the basis of equality and mutual learning in the countries where it operates.
The Turkic Republics Have Historical Significance for Us
The program particularly highlighted activities in the geography of the Turkic Republics. Stating that this region holds historical and strategic importance for Turkish Maarif Foundation, Özdil cited the work carried out in Kyrgyzstan as an example. Drawing attention to the multilingual education model implemented in Kyrgyzstan, Özdil noted that students are equipped to effectively use both their mother tongues and international languages, stating:
“Our students graduating from our schools in Kyrgyzstan graduate with a very high level of proficiency in Turkish, Kyrgyz, Russian, and English. This is already one of our goals.”
Özdil also touched upon the process of taking over schools affiliated with FETÖ by the end of 2024, emphasizing that the quality of education was improved through rehabilitation efforts carried out in a short time. He stated that this experience in Kyrgyzstan serves as an important reference for other Turkic Republics and added that efforts to open new educational institutions in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are ongoing.
Referring to activities in Azerbaijan, Özdil stated that there is strong interest in Turkish Maarif Foundation schools, particularly in Baku, as well as in Ganja and Nakhchivan. He emphasized the strong demand for the Turkish language and noted that language education is carried out together with academic, cultural, and artistic activities.
Maarif Schools Are an International Brand
Özdil stated that activities are also continuing in the Balkans, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, emphasizing that Turkish Maarif Foundation is recognized in the field of education not only in developing countries but also in developed ones. He underlined that the Foundation makes significant contributions to access to education and equality of opportunity in different regions of the world.
Drawing attention to the fact that Turkish Maarif Foundation is an important component of Türkiye’s education diplomacy, Özdil stated that the Foundation represents Türkiye in every country where it operates. He expressed this responsibility as follows:
“As Turkish Maarif Foundation, we are part of education diplomacy. Therefore, in every country we are present in, we also represent our country. When people look at us, they see Türkiye.”
The program concluded by emphasizing that the educational activities carried out by Turkish Maarif Foundation across six continents make a strong contribution to Türkiye’s international education vision.
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