Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. A. M. Celâl Şengör, through journalist Fatih Altaylı, penned a letter harshly criticising the Minister of National Education and expressing support for French schools. Şengör condemned the Minister’s threats against Charles de Gaulle and Pierre Loti schools and criticised the ministry’s education policies.
Celâl Şengör accused the Minister of National Education of forcing French schools to adopt reactionary education programmes. Şengör stated, “Every secondary school operating in a country must be under the supervision of that country’s Minister of National Education. However, this rule has lost its validity in Turkey,” asserting that the Minister’s actions are contrary to the constitution and laws. He emphasised that Charles de Gaulle and Pierre Loti schools must adhere to constitutional and legal responsibilities.
Prof. Dr. Şengör argued that the Minister’s decision to give equal weight to religious and science questions in exams contradicts the secular education system. He accused the Minister of imposing reactionary education programmes on schools and trying to introduce religious sects into schools. Şengör highlighted that these practices are unconstitutional and should not be taken seriously by anyone.
Şengör defended the education provided by Charles de Gaulle and Pierre Loti schools, stating that they offer an education required by contemporary civilisation. He criticised the labelling of these schools as “colonial schools” and emphasised Pierre Loti’s affection for Turkey and General de Gaulle’s resistance against Nazi tyranny. Şengör pointed out that these schools provide a civilised education.
Prof. Dr. Şengör shared his own experience of sending his child to a foreign school, highlighting the quality of education received there. He noted that his child graduated from ETH Zurich, one of the world’s best universities, and completed a doctorate. Through this example, Şengör expressed that the Minister’s education policies pose a threat to the country’s future.
Finally, Şengör urged parents to ensure the removal of the Minister and his supporters from their positions. “You are a clear and great threat to our country’s future. I hope all parents realise this,” he stated, emphasising the need to oppose these education policies.
Full Letter by Prof. Dr. Celâl Şengör
Minister! Keep your hands off French high schools… Minister of National Education,
By threatening Charles de Gaulle and Pierre Loti schools, you demand they adopt the monstrous, reactionary programme you have created. I hope these schools do not take you seriously. Every secondary school operating in a country must be under the supervision of that country’s Minister of National Education. However, this rule has lost its validity in Turkey, because you are trying to impose reactionary education programmes on schools that are contrary to both our country’s constitution and the laws based on that constitution. Naturally, Charles de Gaulle and Pierre Loti schools must prioritise the constitution and laws, not you and your associates. Therefore, as long as you act against the constitution and laws, as you continue to place religious and science questions with equal weight in high school entrance exams in a country trying to be governed by a secular system, and as you continue to introduce sects that should actually be banned into our schools, no one will listen to you, because this is against our constitution. Your brainless trolls accuse our schools of teaching the CHP programme. Who do you think this pompous lie is deceiving?
You accuse Charles de Gaulle and Pierre Loti educational institutions of being ‘colonial schools’. No! Pierre Loti was a great writer who loved Turkey. Attacking his memory does not make our country appear civilised, does it? Schools named after him and General de Gaulle, who rescued his country from Hitler’s clutches without bowing to Nazi tyranny, provide the education required by contemporary civilisation. Why do you think countless citizens work to enrol their children in these schools? Their intention is to ensure their children are raised in a civilised environment, in accordance with Atatürk’s principles, i.e., healthy reasoning, and to escape from the schools you intend to turn into reactionary institutions. If I were them, I would do the same. Indeed, Oya and I also sent our child to a foreign school. Thank goodness, she received a good education. Eventually, she was able to enter ETH Zurich, one of the world’s best universities, and earned her doctorate there. I hope the people of this country will ensure you and your associates are removed from your positions and your trolls are distanced from X. You are a clear and great threat to our country’s future. I hope all parents realise this.
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. A. M. Celâl Şengör Member of the Academies of Europe, USA, Russian Federation, Germany, Austria, and Italy, recipient of Lutaud, Rammal, Bigsby, Steinmann, and Suess medals.
