Schools in Turkey

October 21, 2012 - Turkey Schools

The last five days we have been in a whirlwind in Konya and Avenos, Turkey.  It is an understatement to say that the Turkish people are the most welcoming and generous as a culture than any we have met. Everyone offers a warm smile, handshake, or hug. Several people have taken us in, and we have lost count of the many cups of tea we have sipped with new acquaintances and friends.  Even during my short visit to a school in Konya I had tea with the assistant director.

Mustafa Buycle, Assistant Administrator at the Mahmut Shevket Pasha Ilkogretim Okulu. Mr. Buycle shared that his school's biggest need is technology equipment for the school of 1000. He also shared that he feels the most important thing educators can give our children is "edep" which means manners,  decency, politeness, and decorum. 

Welcoming party. 

English Language teacher, Fatma Sibel Telli, with enthusiastic students who will make bookmarks to send to students in Oregon …

… and more eager English Language learners. I think they are 4th graders. 

Sweet greeters at the school entrance.

These girls stopped me on the street. "Excuse me mam, may we ask you some questions?" They were practicing their English with tourists.  Dedicated and delightful!

Mehmet Mehmet Ucar, owner of the Dervish Hotel and carpet designer/merchant, was our volunteer guide and interpreter. He spent many hours taking us around and introducing us to everyone in Konya as he grew up there and knows everyone! While we were at the Konya Archaeological Museum we ran into a group of private school students from Istanbul doing research on ancient history. It was very heart warming to see many students out and about, always friendly and respectful.  

While on tour in Cappadocia we met 11 year old Adriana. She attends public school in Istanbul and shared that she is one of the best readers in her school. She reads about astronomy and science fiction. She reads translated books that her mother buys for her because she does not have a school library.  She also shared that she does not know any good Turkish children's authors and thinks there are none.  Anyone want to add to Adrianna's comments and update me about the state of children's literature in Turkey?