July 13, 2023
Turkish Maarif Foundation, the window through which Türkiye opens up to the world in education, continues its journey with new achievements in its goal of raising good individuals.
As a global education brand with its 52,000 students studying in 440 schools in 51 countries, the Foundation held its 2023 Graduation ceremony at Sabancı Öğretmenevi. The program, which began with the opening speech by the President of the Foundation, Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün, was attended by Members of the Board of Trustees Selim Cerrah, Mahmut Özdil, Ömer Faruk Terzi, Board Member İpek Coşkun Armağan, parents, and employees of Turkish Maarif Foundation.
"Travelers and scholars were raised in centers of knowledge"
Starting his speech by greeting the participants, the President of the Turkish Maarif Foundation, Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün, said, "As someone who has received an international education, I must tell you that you will feel the contribution of international education throughout your life. We see that the scientists and statesmen who have left their mark in history have been nourished from different centers and regions during their education. For example, Ibn Khaldun was present in all geographies. The travelers and scholars who left great works behind were raised in centers of knowledge. Ibn Battuta not only traveled but also participated in scholarly gatherings. Our Nobel laureate Turkish scientist, Aziz Sancar, received an international education. These individuals developed their perspectives by nourishing themselves from different places and people. With the education you receive, you will gain different perspectives."
"Our motto is to raise good individuals"
Emphasizing that Türkiye is one of the most vital regions in the world, Prof. Dr. Akgün said, "These lands are a living museum that has carried the stamp of a great civilization that has shaped the history of Islam for maybe a thousand years of the past 1500 years, with the tradition of the Seljuks and the Ottomans. As Mevlana said, in these lands, you see nothing but love for humanity. As Yunus Emre said, it is our tradition to know seventy-two and a half nations as one. This is the case in knowledge, social relations, and culture. Istanbul is a city that carries civilization and culture. Every part of Türkiye carries a different historical and cultural heritage. Konya, Bursa, Edirne, and Ankara are the same. These cities, which contribute to the development and progress of Türkiye, will offer you a lot." He expressed that being a student of Maarif, which is Türkiye’s international educational institution, will also bring many benefits to individuals. Prof. Dr. Akgün stated, "Our vision, as stated in the strategic plan, is to raise good individuals who will use their knowledge and wisdom for the peace and harmony of humanity. Our motto is to raise good individuals. We carry out our work with this goal in mind."
"We are all members of the great Maarif family"
Highlighting the fact that these lands carry a great civilization, Prof. Dr. Akgün concluded his words as follows: "You will have important roles in international relations. You will become diplomats, academics, engineers, traders, teachers, and take on different roles. Whatever you do, your goal should be to carry these relations, these traces of civilization to your country. If this happens, we would have fulfilled our duty as the Maarif Foundation. We say that a Maarif graduate is primarily nurtured with a local and national mindset. They love their own country, and they use their knowledge and accumulation, whether in terms of technology, language, or culture, to serve their own people and to develop their own country and nation. The Anatolian tradition of knowledge is the human-centered perspective of Mevlana, Yunus, and Yesevi. If we talk about a civilization vision for the future, our motto is to sustain human life and establish peace and justice among people. Education is a part of this. As Yunus Emre said, let's meet and get to know each other. The Maarif Foundation has become the carrier of this cause with its 440 schools in 51 countries and 52,000 students. You will also join us, and together we will sow new seeds and initiate new leaderships. The important thing is to fulfill this duty properly. A Maarif graduate uses their knowledge and accumulation to serve their own country. If we believe in this, without disconnecting from the global world, by experiencing freedom and not surrendering mentally to different worlds, we serve our own nation. If we believe in this, we work together to establish a more just world. I congratulate you all. Convey our greetings to your families and your nation, and never forget that you are members of a great family. I wish you success."
"As children of Turkish Maarif Foundation, we will contribute to Maarif's journey"
Following Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün, Maliha Temori, one of the graduating students, expressed her pride in being a graduate of a Maarif school in Afghanistan and said, "Speaking on behalf of the graduates is a significant responsibility. Turkish Maarif Foundation carries out educational activities all around the world. When I came to Türkiye from Afghanistan for my university education, I gained new experiences and got to know new cultures. Turkish Maarif Foundation is not just an educational institution; it is also a family. We all have a common goal: development and progress. Maarif Schools provided us with not only academic but also universal values. As students graduating from here, we are grateful to Turkish Maarif Foundation. As children of Turkish Maarif Foundation, we will contribute to this journey. I thank our families, teachers, classmates, and all the staff of Turkish Maarif Foundation. You believed in us and gave us courage. Without you, this success would not have been possible. Dear graduates, let's work together as we walk towards a hopeful future and make meaningful contributions to the world."
"After receiving the education and gaining the experience, we are ready to offer a different perspective to the world."
After Temori, Nematullah Rahimi said, "I am here as a graduate and, God willing, a teacher at Turkish Maarif Foundation. For years, Turkish Maarif Foundation has not only provided students with quality education but also a comprehensive education with entertaining programs. The foundation's teacher candidates' education program not only provided quality education but also helped us gain friendships and develop a sense of brotherhood. Discovering historical places and participating in cultural activities gave us different experiences. Today, I congratulate the students graduating from here. With the education we have received and the experiences we have gained, we are ready to offer a different perspective to the world. I thank our families and all the employees of Turkish Maarif Foundation. Without you, it would not have been possible to climb this ladder of success. Dear fellow graduates, our future is in your hands. You will inspire future generations as beacons of light. Teachers play an important role in building the future. While performing this duty, we should create a loving environment based on our values. I wish you all success once again."
After the flag handover ceremony, the program concluded with the presentation of graduation certificates and gifts.
