Reaction from ADD Üsküdar Branch to the exam held on November 10

Reactions continue to the Ministry of National Education's decision to hold joint exams in secondary education institutions and high schools on November 10, the anniversary of Atatürk's death.

Regarding the issue, Atatürkist Thought Association (ADD) Üsküdar Branch held a press release at the Üsküdar Marmaray exit yesterday to protest the decision. In the action held with the participation of the association members and the people of Üsküdar, the press release was read by Atatürkist Thought Association (ADD) Üsküdar Branch President M. Nazan Gürlevik.

'HOW TO BE ON A DAY OF MOURNING?'

Stating that November 10 is not an ordinary day, Gürlevik said, "Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is the memory of the Turkish nation. It is the awakening, resurrection and resistance of a nation waiting for death in its sick bed. November 10 is a day when the Turkish nation mourns, expresses its gratitude and commemorates the architect of its independence with respect. The Ministry of National Education of a country is planning an exam that will take its children away from the commemoration ceremonies of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic." How can he plan it?” he said.

'WHAT MESSAGE ARE WE GIVING TO CHILDREN?'

Gürlevik stated that "Making such an important day ordinary and trying to make it forgotten is one of the biggest heedlessness of the Ministry of National Education." He said to Minister Tekin, "Commemorating Atatürk is not just participating in a ceremony. It means protecting the Republic, science, reason and free thought that he entrusted to us. Isn't it one of the most basic responsibilities of the education system to give our children the love of Atatürk and the awareness of the Republic? So, what message do we give to our children? "Is the exam more important, commemorating Ataturk? Is the grade in a course more important, is it more important to remember the sacrifices with which this country was founded?" asked questions.

'WHO WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE CONTRADICTION?'

"Education is not to alienate children from their history and common values; it is to raise them as conscious individuals with these values. Dear Minister of National Education, it is unacceptable to put such a choice in front of our children," Gürlevik said, adding, "If the goal is education, education does not have to conflict with the respect for the founder of the Republic. The exam can be moved to another time. But who will be held accountable for this contradiction created in the minds of children?" he said.

'RESPECT FOR HISTORY CANNOT BE POSTPONED'

Gürlevik continued his speech as follows: "Commemorating Atatürk is not an extracurricular activity; it is a historical and conscientious responsibility. We want to teach our children not only to be successful in exams, but also to know where they come from, to protect the trust left to them, and to defend their values when necessary. Because the children of this country should not only learn about Atatürk from books; they should also be able to learn the respect felt for him by experiencing it. On November 10, children's place is not in exam halls, but in their love and affection for Atatürk." "There should be spaces where they can express their respect freely. The children of the Republic have not forgotten their ancestors, they will not forget them, and they will not let them forget them. Respect for history cannot be postponed on November 10, but in the presence of their ancestors."