The Education System
When we come to examine the institutions that have sustained the
vital functions of the Peoples living in Turkey, we must bear in
mind that, from the year 2000 B.C. when they first appeared on the
pages of history, they have been a part of three separate civilizations.
During the period when they led a nomadic life in Central Asia,
they were part of the institutions that harmonized with their way
of life. Upon accepting the Islamic faith, and after their expeditions
to Anatolia, Turks with this admixture of Islamic and Turkish elements
produced a civilization and culture all of its own, which was called
the "Ottoman Composition". After the establishment of
the Turkish Republic on October 29, 1923'Turkey entered the sphere
of western civilization and culture, and gradually adopted institutions
and elements from the west merged with those of Turkey to form the
"Republican Composition".
Following the adoption of Islam, coupled with the changes in the
political boundaries of the Turks and their transition to a settled
civilization and new way of life, educational institutions more
attuned to the times of the Seljuks and the Ottomans led to theological
schools, dervish lodges, guilds and fraternities. Parallel to the
developments in the west, as of the 18th century, schools of engineering,
military sciences, administrative sciences, medicine, law, veterinary
sciences and fine arts were opened. Furthermore, high schools were
opened to bring students to the level where they could follow the
studies in the universityies.
Following the foundation of the Turkish Republic, as in other fields
reforms were also undertaken in education. Under the law for the
unification of education, which was ratified in 1924, all schools
were annexed to the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education
was charged with the task of implementing a contemporary mode of
education training for Turkish citizens by opening primary and secondary
schools and other institutes and arranging courses within the framework
of the educational policies decided upon. Today the Ministry also
meets the requirements of these institutions in the way of teachers
and administrators and draws up the respective rules, regulations
and programmes. It also arranges educational programmes for children
of school age who are needy or require special care.
The goal of the Turkish national education system could be summed
up as being one where all individuals of the state are gathered
together as an inseparable whole, united in national consciousness
and thinking, trained to think along scientific lines with intellectually
broadened views on world affairs, and to be productive happy individuals,
who through their skills contribute to the prosperity of society
and are instrumental in making the Turkish nation a creative and
distinguished member of the modern world.
Educational Institutions
Pre-school Training
This encompasses training for those who have not as yet arrived
at compulsory school age, and is optional. During 1991-1992 in 4,460
kindergartens and nursery schools,131,023 children received training
from 7,763 teachers. The aim of the Sixth Plan term is to raise
the present 5.1 % of pre-school age training to 12 %.
Primary Education
This encompasses the training of children within the 6-14 age group.
This is compulsory schooling for both boys and girls, in state operated
schools where tuition is free.
Primary school institutions: 5 year-primary schools, 3-year secondary
schools. In cases where these two kinds of schools are united, there
are also special and auxiliary classes for children requiring special
tuition.
Primary Schools
These are national educational institutions which have been opened
by the State to train and educate boys and girls through the compulsory
5-year educational period.
During the 1991-1992 school year 6,870,683 children were taught
in 50,669 primary schools, under the direction of 234,154 teachers.
95.24 % of the children in this age group attend schools.
Primary Educational Schools
The schooling here is for 8 years. During the 1991-1992 school term
1,503,095 children recieved their schooling in 2,639 primary educational
schools. The number of teachers was 55,956.
Secondary Schools
These schools can be either independent or annexed to lycees. They
have a 3-year curriculum and prepare children for future higher
education.
During 1991-1992, 2,402,692 children continued their education
in 7,078 secondary schools where the number of teachers was 51,046.
Secondary School Education
Secondary education comprises a minimum of 3 years schooling in
lycees and professional and technical schools.
General Lycees
Lycees give schooling to children in the 15-17 age group for a 3-year
period after secondary school.
The aim of lycees is to secure a level of general culture, develope
an awareness of individual and community problems and be able to
contribute to the economic, social and cultural growth of the country
and to prepare the students for higher education.
Lycees encompass the Anatolian Lycees, Science Lycees, Teachers'
Lycees of Fine Arts, Anatolian Teacher Training Lycees, Multi- programme
Lycees, Evening Lycees and Private Lycees.
During the 1991-1992 school term 893,590 students received tuition
in 1961 lycees, under the direction of 64,069 teachers.
Anatolian Lycees
These were established for the purpose of teaching students at least
one foreign language, which they can utilize to further their education
in the best possible manner. The educational period inclusive of
secondary schooling covers 7 years with a one year preparatory course.
Aside from foreign language lessons the normal lycee programme is
implemented with science and mathematics lessons given in English.
During the 1991-1992 school term 29,452 students received tuition
in 159 Anatolian Lycees where the number of teachers was 4,273.
Science Lycees
During the 1991-1992 school term 3,391 students received tuition
in 15 science lycees where the number of teachers was 417.
Teacher Training Lycees
These lycees provide the basic knowledge future teachers will need
in their carriers. The educational programme continues for three
years after secondary school.
During the 1991-1992 school term 12,564 students were given tuition
in 87 lycees, and the number of teachers was 1,122.
Anatolian Teacher Training Lycees
During the 1989-1990 school term, for the first time out of 28 teachers'
training lycees, eight were chosen for the Anatolian Teachers' Training
Lycees programme. This educational programme is for years long inclusive
of a one year preparatory course.
During the 1991-1992 school period 7,482 students were given tuition
in 61 lycees, where the number of teachers was 632.
Evening Lycees
These have a four year tuition course for those who because of their
work cannot pursue their educational courses during the day and
for those who are past school age.
During the 1991-1992 school term 5,058 students were given tuition
in 10 evening lycees by 179 teachers.
Anadolu Fine Arts Lycees
These schools have been opened for children to develop special talents
and to preserve cultural, artistic and national values. Tuition
duration is four years, including a one-year preparatory course.
During the 1991-1992 school term 628 students received tuition
in 6 lycees, where the number of teachers was 71.
Multi-Purpose Lycees
In accordance with Article 29 of the National Education Basic Law,in
places where the population is small and widely dispersed, the Ministry
of National Education can establish a multi-programme lycee, under
one administration to encompass courses of a general,professional
and technical nature.
It has been decided to implement this programme in 158 suitable
schools and in 36 of these tuition has started. The remaining 122
will also become operational in 1992-1993 when the necessary personnel
and equipment become available.
Professional Technical Educational Institutions
Professional and Technical Lycees:
These give the necessary training to enter the business and professional
world and also prepare students for higher learning.
They are divided into 4 main groups as follows:
Male Technical Educational Schools
Girls' Technical Educational Schools
Trade and Tourism Training Schools
Theological Schools
During the 1991-1992 school term 687,139 students were taught in
2,128 schools where the number of teachers was 55,914.
Male Technical Educational Institutions
To meet the demand for technical staff in the middle brackets in
the field of industry in Turkey, the following schools under the
administration of the General Directorate of Male Technical Training
provide tuition: Anatolian Technical Lycees, Technical Lycees, Anatolian
Professional Lycees and the Industrial Professional Lycees.
Anatolian Technical Lycees
The tuition period is five years including a one-year preparatory
course. Students are taught a minimum of one foreign language in
addition to the lessons included in the Science Lycees. The professional
industrial training prepares them for higher education and their
future work.
The programmes in these lycees include training in computers, electricity
courses, journalism, construction, mechanics, remote control methods,
electronics in medicine, aircraft engines and architecture.
During the 1991-1992 school term 5,675 students received tuition
in 44 lycees.
Technical Lycees
These are educational institutions offering a four-year course
after secondary school which includes a lycee level science course
together with a professional industrial course to prepare students
for institutions of higher learning.
The programmes in these schools include lessons in infrastructure,
computers, educational equipment, electricity, electronics, industrial
electronics, moulds, chemistry, technical drawing, microtechnical
motors, medical electronics, maintenance of aircraft engines, superstructure
and architectural drawing.
During the 1991-1992 school term 30,212 students were given tuition
in 191 Technical Lycees.
Anatolian Professional Training Lycees
The tuition period is four years inclusive of a one-year preparatory
course. Students are given training in their chosen profession and
lessons in a foreign language. Courses cover five professional fields.
During the 1991-1992 school term 603 students were given tuition
in three lycees.
Industrial Training Lycees
Three-year courses are taught in these lycees after secondary schooling.
The programmes include professional training in various fields of
industry to prepare students both for institutions of higher learning
and various industrial fields.
During the 1991-1992 school term, 226,864 students were given tuition
in 426 lycees by 17,446 teachers.
Girls' Technical Training Schools
Educational possibilities extended by the Girls' Technical Education
General Directorate for girls and women are in the form of formal
and informal training organizations.
Girls' Professional Training Lycees
This is a tuition course of three-years duration after secondary
schooling to train technical personnel in various fields of business.
There are presently 27 branches in which tuition is given.
During the 1991-1992 school term 49,169 students received tuition
in 361 professional training lycees where the number of teachers
was 12,028.
Girls' Technical Training Lycees
This encompasses a tuition course of four years.The schooling programme
is based on general knowledge and science lessons. There are four
industrial branches in which training is given.
During the 1991-1992 school term 687 students received tuition
in 26 lycees.
Anatolian Girls' Technical Training Lycees
Duration of tuition is five years inclusive of a one-year preparatory
period. A foreign language is taught at the lycees.
During the 1991-1992 school term 183 students were given tuition
in one lycee.
Anatolian Professional Training Lycees for Girls
A part of the lessons are given in the English language. The duration
of tuition is four years including a one year preparatory course.
Training is given in 20 professional fields.
During the 1991-1992 school term 3,043 students were given tuition
in 36 lycees.
Trade and Tourism Vocational Schools
These are educational institutions where students receive training
to prepare them for the requirements of the trade and tourism sectors.
Anatolian Hotel and Tourism Professional Training Lycee
Duration of tuition is four years inclusive of a one-year preparatory
period. Students are given lessons in foreign and training languages
to prepare them for their chosen professions.
During the 1991-1992 school term 5,236 students received tuition
in 23 lycees, and the number of teachers was 511.
Anatolian Foreign Trade Training Lycees
These lycees give training and knowledge of a foreign language
to prepare students for the field of foreign trade connected with
the various concerns and organizations in the free trade zones.Tuition
period is four years inclusive of a one year preparatory course.
During the 1991-1992 school term 582 students were given tuition
in six lycees where the number of teachers was 28.
Anatolian Trade Lycees
This school gives training to produce qualifies personnel with
knowledge of foreign languages in the field of foreign trade and
data processing.Course last four years including a one year preparatory
course.
During the 1991-1992 school term 3,681 students received tuition
in 33 lycees, where the number of teachers was 262.
Anatolian Secretarial Vocational Lycees
These are vocational schools offering a four year programme designed
with a view to meeting the requirements of various public and private
enterprises in the way of skilled personnel speaking a foreign language.
During the 1991-1992 school term 715 students took courses in five
lycees where 38 teachers were employed.
Anatolian Culinary Vocational Lycees
These provide a years' tuition period aimed at qualifying students
for Turkish and world kitchens, and speaking a foreign language.
During the 1991-1992 school term 91 students recieved tuition in
one lycee.
Validebag Professional Health Training Lycee
This lycee was established in Istanbul on October 1, 1974. The
school is the only one that prepares students to be nurses in the
various health training centres attached to the Ministry. 40 nurses
on an avarage graduate yearly and the total number of graduates
to date is 467.
Duration of tuition is four years. Tuition is free of charge and
students are chosen on an examination basis.
Trade Lycees
These schools offer education in the fields of business, administration,
accounting, finance, cooperative work, marketing,tourism, banking
and secretarial skills to meet the demand in public and private
enterprises. Duration of tuition is three years.
During the 1991-1992 school term 147,753 students received tuition
in 222 lycees where the number of teachers was 6,950.
Evening Courses Trade Lycees
These are four year professional courses attended by those who
after finishing their secondary education have been forced to work
during the day. Here they are given the opportunity to improve their
skills in the professional fields.
During the 1991-1992 school term 2,733 students received tuition
in five lycees where the number of teachers was 91.
Hotel Management and Tourism Lycees
These vocational schools have a three-year educational programme
designed with the aim of meeting the requirements of the tourism
sector in the way of qualified people and prepare them for higher
learning.
During the 1991-1992 school term 571 students recieved tuition
in three lycees.
Islamic Theological Lycees
These lycees were established according to Law 430 pertaining to
the Unification of the Educational System Article 4 and Law 1739
pertaining to Basic National Education Article 32. Here students
are trained in teaching the Koran, preaching and other religious
subjects. It also prepares students for higher learning.
Anatolian Islamic Theological Lycees
Teaching lasts eight years after primary schooling. English and
German lessons are given and students are trained to lead religious
services, to teach the Koran and preaching. It also prepares students
for institutions of higher education.
During the 1991-1992 school term 2,067 students received tuition
in 16 lycees.
Imamate Lycees (Colleges for Religious Training)
Here students are trained to become religious teachers, teach the
Koran and provide other religious services.
During the 1991-1992 school term 346,174 students received tuition
in 390 lycees where the number of teachers was 13,113.
Special Training Institutions
These schools were established for the purpose of training those
mentally or physically handicapped and also those of high intelligence
to enable them to become useful members of the community and attain
a profession. Education is free in these schools which provide day
classes and board and lodgings.
During the 1991-1992 school term out of 952,382 children in the
0-18 age group who required special schooling, 17,574 were placed
in special schools and 5,084 in normal schools where they could
mix with other children.
Schools for the Blind
These schools offer educational opportunities to those children
whose vision is lower than 1/10 for both eyes and who are termed
blind, and for those whose vision for both eyes is seriously impaired
(between 1/10 and 1/30).
The educational period for primary schools is six years. Some of
these institutions also have a secondary school. There are also
independent secondary schools.
Schools for the Deaf
These schools offer educational opportunities to those children
who, notwithstanding all the measures taken, have a loss of hearing
of more than 70 decibels and who are classified as very deaf and
for those children whose loss of hearing is between 25-70 decibels
and who are classified as "hard of hearing". The educational
period in the primary school section is six years. Some of these
centres have a secondary school section and a kindergarten.
School for the Orthopedically Handicapped
This school offers educational opportunities to those children
who notwithstanding all the measures taken are not able to follow
a normal course of education because of the deformations of their
bodies. The school is in Ankara and consists of a primary school,
a handicrafts secondary school and a vocational lycee.
School for Retarded Children
This school is for children with an I.Q. that is between 25-44,
and they are trained so that they are able to look after their own
personal needs.
Schools for Retarded Children Who Can Be Trained
This is a school for children with an I.Q. that is between 45-75.
Special Training Classes
These are classes set aside in normal primary schools for the education
of the deaf, blind and retarded. Special Training organizations
comprise all types of schools, and courses are offered in line with
Law No.625.
During the 1991-1992 school term 159,849 children had training
in 873 special schools, where the number of teachers was 8,574.
During the same period there were 1,813 special courses and 813
special training lessons. Special courses were attended by 227,789
children and the special lessons by 255,070.
Formal education
Comprises one of the two branches of the National Education System,
and entails education that includes teaching, production, guidance
and implementation.The aim of an informal education is to teach
adults to read and write, give them basic knowledge and develop
their past knowledge and experience and create new opportunities
to assist them in making a living.
Informal education has two basic sections, general and vocational.
During the 1991-1992 period 4,156 informal training organizations
provided 1,434,249 persons with tuition by 24,548 teachers.
The informal training organizations consist of the following:
Practical Art Schools for Girls
Finishing Schools
Industrial Trade Institutes
Technical Training Centres for Adults
Public Training Centres
Apprenticeship Training Centres
Special Courses
Special Lessons
Higher Education
The purpose of the higher education system is to provide training
for individuals based on contemporary teaching methods, to meet
the needs of the nation and country in the fields of training and
education, scientific research, press and consulting services.
All universities and schools of higher learning are affiliated
to the Higher Education Council established under Law No. 2547 of
November 6, 1981. The Council is an autonomous public juridical
body with the authority and responsibility to administer the activities
of all institutions of higher learning. It annexes to itself the
following: the Higher Supervisory Board, the Student Selection and
Placement Centre and other sections related to planning, research,
development, evaluation, budgets, investment and coordination.
In 1992 there were 54 universities with 396 faculties, 64 high
schools, 174 professional high schools and 211 institutes all attached
to the Higher Education Council.
During the 1991-1992 term the total number of students was 682,029,
and the teaching staff 34,469. Of these 4,775 were professors, 2,433
were lecturers and 3,862 assistant lecturers. Others on the staff
number 23,999.
The list of universities in Turkey is as follows:
Adana - Çukurova University
Afyon - Kocatepe University
Ankara - Ankara University, Bilkent University (private) Gazi University,
Hacettepe University, Middle-East Technical University
Antalya - Akdeniz University
Aydin - Adnan Menderes University
Balikesir - Balikesir University
Bolu - Abant Izzet Baysal University
Bursa - Uludag University
Çanakkale - Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University
Denizli - Pamukkale University
Edirne - Trakya University
Elazig - Firat University
Erzurum - Atatürk University
Eskisehir - Anadolu University
Gaziantep - Gaziantep University
Isparta - Süleyman Demirel University
Içel - Mersin University
Istanbul - Bogaziçi University, Istanbul Technical University,
Marmara
University, Mimar Sinan University, Yildiz University,
Kadir Has University (private), Koç University (private).
Izmir - Dokuz Eylül University, Ege University, Izmir High
Technology University.
Hatay - Mustafa Kemal University
Kahramanmaras - Kahramanmaras Sütçü mam University
Kars - Kafkas University
Kayseri - Erciyes University
Kirikkale - Kirikkale University
Kocaeli - Kocaeli University, Gebze High Technology University
Konya - Selçuk University
Kütahya - Dumlupinar University
Malatya - Inönü University
Manisa - Celal Bayar University
Mugla - Mugla University
Nigde - Nigde University
Sakarya - Sakarya University
Samsun - Ondokuz Mayis University
Sivas - Cumhuriyet University
Sanliurfa - Harran University
Tokat - Gaziosmanpasa University
Trabzon - Karadeniz Technical University
Van - Yüzüncü Yil University
Zonguldak - Zonguldak Karaelmas University.
Students are admitted to the universities through a two-phase examination
held once a year by the Centre for Student Selection and Placement
attached to the Higher Education Council. During 1991-1992, 114,902
students availed themselves of the 114 dormitories in various parts
of the country. Additionally higher education credits were extended
to 149,961 students. Auxiliary credits were also extended to another
47,600 students. Furthermore, the meal expenses of 134,000 students
were also met.
A special examination is held once a year for foreign students
by the same organization. As the examination papers are in both
Turkish and English, a knowledge of Turkish is not necessary. Those
who pass the exams, and have only a little knowledge of Turkish,
are considered to be on leave for a period of one year to gain proficiency
in the Turkish language. Turkish language courses for foreigners
are given by the Turkish Teaching Centre (T Ö MER) of Ankara
University. There are also Turkish language courses in Istanbul
and Izmir universities. During the 1991-1992 term there were 14,548
foreign students in the universities of which 7,000 were from the
Turkic republics.
Educational Organizations Abroad
There are 31 educational organizations abroad of which 18 are educational
consultants and 18 educational attaches, all of which extend services
to Turkish citizens abroad. There are presently 2,539,677 Turks
living outside the country and the number of children studying is
677,153. To teach these children Turkish, Turkish Culture and morals
1,236 teachers have been recruited from Turkey and 2,677 teachers
have been sent abroad.
Scientific Research Institutions and Facilities
Scientific research in Turkey is primarily carried out by the universities.
However, there are other autonomous research institutions and organizations
like the Turkish Atomic Energy Council (TAEK), the Technical Research
Institute (T Ü B TAK) and the Atatürk High Institute of
Culture, Language and History.
While Turkey's move towards contemporary science and technology
had its start in the Republican era, the foundation dates of certain
national research institutions go back to the 19th century. Following
the foundation of the Republic, research institutes and centres
were rapidly established with a view towards increasing agricultural
yields and adding impetus to development. Decisions influencing
development were made and implemented by the State, and consequently,
much of the pioneering work relevant to scientific and technological
research was also undertaken by the State.
In the 1980s, research and development studies in public institutions
indirectly concerned with scientific and technological matters were
undertaken by units affiliated with the General Directorate. In
some organizations research councils were established under the
presidency of the respective ministry to plan and manage the research
and development work. In organizations without any research sections,
departments charged with quality control undertook those duties.
In recent years, the Turkish private sector has come to realize
the significance of research and consequently, research and development
units have been established in many private sector enterprises.
To ensure coordination and communication among research organizations
inclusive of universities, a Science and Technology Supreme Council
attached to the Prime Ministry was established on October 4, 1983.
All departments and branches in universities are charged with carrying
out research and 100 research institutes have been established in
the fields of health, nuclear sciences, solar energy, marine sciences,
ecology, medicine, bio-medicine, engineering, investigation and
prevention of accidents, fine arts, television and cinema. Furthermore,
a Higher Education Council research fund regulation was issued on
May 20, 1984 advocating support for project based research including
that made at post-graduate level.
Universities which are the most qualified sources in the field
of scientific research, undertake their work with assistance from
the general budget, TÜBITAK, the public and private sectors,
university funds and support from abroad. Within the framework of
34 existing agreements, Turkish universities which also have close
to 100 agreements with foreign universities, presently undertake
various scientific research studies on a project basis with NATO,
WHO, the Atomic Energy Organization, UNESCO and other international
organizations.
A survey made between 1970 and 1972 by the State Planning Organization
on research in universities has shown that in the nine universities
then in existence, 2,387 research studies were undertaken in 376
branches of science. A report by Ankara University on "Turkish
Universities and University Research" states that 758 scientists
were engaged in 4,187 research studies between 1971 and 1981. The
Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Institute was established
on July 17, 1963 to develop, support and organize basic and applied
research. The Institute offers information services, initiates and
coordinates scientific work and offers training facilities based
on research. It provides grants to capable students thereby extending
financial support for the human element in scientific development.
The Turkish Atomic Energy Organization is charged with the use
of atomic energy for peaceful purposes in accordance with development
plans for the benefit of the country, the determination and recommendation
of fundamental principles and policies and the initiation of scientific,
technical and administrative studies, together with corresponding
support and coordination work.
The Atatürk High Institution of Culture, Language and History
was established in 1983 for the purpose of directing interested
specialized personnel towards research in the fields of culture,
language and history. The institution is composed of the Atatürk
Centre of Research, the Turkish Language Society, the Turkish Historical
Society and the Atatürk Cultural Centre. It aims at scientific
research into and promotion of Atatürk's concepts, principles
and reforms and Turkish culture, history and language. It also issues
publications covering these topics.
