Yusuf Tekin

A government directive warning municipalities against opening new day care centers has heightened tensions between the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

Exemplary educators from across Türkiye were invited to take part in special programs in Ankara and Istanbul, where they visited cultural and historical landmarks as part of the Education Ministry's Teacher's Day celebrations on Nov. 24.

Reports in the Turkish press refer to statements made by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during his recent visit to Thessaloniki, in which he expressed optimism for the reopening of the Halki School of Theology in the foreseeable future.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has voiced optimism that the historic Halki Seminary would reopen soon, indicating that efforts to this end are moving rapidly.

Education Minister Yusuf Tekin announced that thousands of additional staff will be swiftly hired this week to address the escalating hygiene and cleanliness issues plaguing schools nationwide for weeks.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has announced the launch of an action plan to combat gambling and digital addiction in schools.

The initiative will address addiction to gambling, the internet, smartphones and video games, Yılmaz said during a meeting of a board convened under the Health Ministry on Sept. 10.

Around 20 million students and 1.2 million teachers across Türkiye returned to their classrooms after a three-month summer break, eager to start the new academic year with fresh aspirations and renewed energy.

This year, education will take place in roughly 750,000 classrooms across 74,000 schools nationwide.

Education Minister Yusuf Tekin has proposed the introduction of a "Mengen Accreditation" as an alternative to the prestigious Michelin Star in recognizing Anatolian cuisine.

The Mengen Culinary and Tourism Festival, held annually since 1981, showcases a variety of local dishes and cultural events.

The Education Ministry has refuted claims that the approximately three-month-long summer break in schools will be shortened by around 20 days.

This statement comes after rumors persisted, following an alleged announcement by Minister Yusuf Tekin on Aug. 7 that a shorter summer break period would commence from the 2025-2026 academic year.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has pledged that Türkiye will take decisive measures against "expansionist ambitions" to ensure regional stability and security.