BTTÖB holds ceremony for November 24 Teachers’ Day
The Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Union (BTTÖB) organized a large-scale ceremony on Sunday evening, 23 November, to mark Turkey’s Teachers’ Day, celebrated annually on 24 November.
The event began with a one-minute moment of silence in memory of teachers who have passed away. Throughout the night, speakers emphasized unity, solidarity, and the fundamental role of education.
BTTÖB President Aydın Ahmet
In his opening remarks, BTTÖB President Aydın Ahmet recalled Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s words, “Teachers, you will raise the new generation,” highlighting the sacred nature of the teaching profession.
Ahmet stated that although the Western Thrace Turkish Minority’s educational autonomy is guaranteed by the Treaty of Lausanne, it has been gradually weakened by unilateral practices over the years. He drew attention to ongoing issues in minority schools, such as the rejection of kindergarten proposals, the closure of primary schools on the grounds of low student numbers, the refusal to appoint teachers who graduated from Turkey, and the denial of permission for in-service training seminars. He thanked veteran teachers for their contributions and extended his congratulations to all teachers on their day.
BTTADK President and Mufti of İskeçe, Mustafa Trampa
Mustafa Trampa, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Consultative Committee and Mufti of İskeçe, stressed that education is built upon purpose, responsibility, determination, and action. He noted that preserving minority schools requires commitment from all stakeholders—from parents to teachers.
Trampa thanked school boards, journalists, and members of parliament who support minority education, and added that the visits of Türkiye’s Consul General in Gümülcine, Aykut Ünal, to schools have boosted community morale.
Türkiye Consul General in Gümülcine, Aykut Ünal
Türkiye’s Consul General in Gümülcine, Aykut Ünal, spoke about the historical development of Teachers’ Day. He noted that while World Teachers’ Day is celebrated globally on 5 October, the tradition in Turkey began on 24 November 1928, when Atatürk accepted the title of “Head Teacher.”
Emphasizing that teachers form the foundation of societies, Ünal highlighted the significance of Atatürk’s statement, “The only ones who save nations are teachers.” He underlined the importance of solidarity among teachers working in minority schools and congratulated all teachers on the occasion.
Turkish Classical Music Choir Performs
Following the speeches, the Turkish Classical Music Ensemble of the Association of Turkish Classical Music Lovers took the stage. Under the direction of Galip Galip, the choir opened the night with the “Teachers’ March,” then continued with a selection of classical pieces that enriched the evening.
Later, the Yakamoz group performed under the Turkish Classical Music Association, led by Batuhan Hasan.
The evening concluded with performances by the folk dance groups of the Gümülcine Turkish Youth Union and the İskeçe Turkish Union, offering attendees an unforgettable finale.
