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Teachers are valuable people who build the building blocks of society and prepare children and young people for the future. Head Teacher Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk emphasized how important teachers are to societies with the following words he said during his visit to, İzmir Erkek Öğretmen Okulu: "The only ones who save nations are teachers. A nation without teachers and tutors does not deserve the title of a nation."

They are not only people who convey knowledge but also guides, sources of inspiration and guidance. Teachers' Day, which honors teachers who fulfill this sacred duty, is celebrated enthusiastically by millions of students and parents every year on November 24th. So, how and why did Teachers' Day come about? Why is Teachers' Day celebrated on different dates in different countries? Let's look at the answers to these questions together.

The Meaning of Teachers' Day

The sacrifice, patience and determination that teachers show to their students play a critical role in the development of societies. Teachers, who hand over not only the knowledge that they have but also the moral values ​​and sense of responsibility to their students during the education process, shape individuals and therefore societies. Teachers' Day is an important occasion to express the respect, love and gratitude felt for teachers, who are valuable for our present and future.

While they transfer their knowledge and experience, they also build future generations. Head Teacher Mustafa Kemal Atatürk clearly expressed what a teacher means to a country with the words, “It is the discipline that either makes a nation live as a free, independent, glorious and noble committee or leaves a nation in captivity and misery." Teachers' Day provides an opportunity to appreciate the devoted work of teachers and once again glorifies their role in society. Students celebrate this special day by expressing their love for teachers with gifts, events or by expressing their sincere gratitude.

How Did Teachers' Day Come About?

The origin of Teachers' Day is based on different dates and events in every country of the world. However, this special day took shape globally in 1994 when UNESCO declared October 5th as Teachers' Day.

The reason for choosing this date for Teachers' Day is The Special Intergovernmental Conference on the Status of Teachers held in Paris, the capital of France, on October 5th, 1966. The "Recommendation on the Status of Teachers" proposed by UNESCO's representatives at that time and the International Labour Organization (ILO) was accepted at this conference. For this reason, October 5th is celebrated every year as World Teachers' Day.

Although October 5th is accepted as World Teachers' Day, each country may celebrate this special day on different dates based on its own social developments and history. For example, 12 Arab countries, including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Libya, Qatar, Morocco, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Tunisia and Oman, celebrate Teachers' Day on February 28. In Iran, it is celebrated on May 2.

Each country's Teachers' Day is shaped by historical figures and events in that country. For example, the Czech Republic celebrates the birthday of famous education reformer John Amos Comenius on March 28 as Teachers' Day. In Iran, the anniversary of the death of famous academic and philosopher Morteza Motahhari is celebrated on May 2. Finally, in India, the birthday of former President and teacher Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan has been determined as the date on which Teachers' Day will be celebrated every year.

History of Teachers' Day in Türkiye

The history of Teachers' Day in Türkiye dates back to the years after the declaration of the republic. In 1928, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk accepted the title of "Head Teacher of National Schools" in order to teach these letters to every individual in the nation after the adoption of the new Turkish letters. This step shows the great importance Atatürk gave to education and discipline.

In 1981, it was decided that November 24th would be celebrated nationwide as Teachers' Day due to the 100th anniversary of Atatürk's birth. From that moment on, November 24 has been celebrated as a special day to show our gratitude to our teachers. As the Elite World Hotels & Resorts family, we also celebrate Teachers' Day for all our teachers, especially Head Teacher Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.