Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, always emphasized the importance of shaping the future of the nation through education. The book “Civilized Knowledge”, to which he directly contributed, is a masterpiece written with the aim of instilling citizenship awareness, the values of the republic and the rules of civilized life in young generations. This work, compiled by Prof. Dr. Afet Inan, includes Atatürk's manuscripts and is one of the cornerstones of civic education.
Similarly, Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge courses are a compulsory curriculum as per Article 24 of the Constitution; however, today the content and impact of these courses are insufficient in the face of social problems.
Strengthening these lessons in line with Atatürk's vision and making them compulsory in schools would be the most effective shield against the betrayals, moral decline and social wounds our country faces.
First, let us consider the threat posed by treasonous groups such as FETÖ. FETÖ, as a treasonous network with its roots outside the country, attempted a coup attempt on Turkey's independence on July 15, 2016.
This organization has carried out espionage activities by infiltrating the capillaries of the state, manipulating young people and distancing them from patriotism.
Atatürk's Civilized Knowledge reinforces civic consciousness against precisely this kind of betrayal: As the book emphasizes, the concept of nationhood is strengthened not by individual loyalty, but by the common values of the republic. If these books were integrated into the curriculum as compulsory subjects, young people would be more resistant to FETÖ's subcontracting under the guise of religion. Civic education will prevent similar uprisings by teaching loyalty to the state and vigilance against betrayers.
In this context, social ills such as drugs, prostitution and immorality are directly related to civic knowledge. Today, drug addiction, prostitution gangs and moral erosion among young people threaten the fundamental values of our culture and religion.
Although the Religious Culture and Ethics course is compulsory according to the Constitution, its content should be more comprehensive and focused on these problems. In Atatürk's vision, religion is more than an individual belief; it is an element that strengthens the moral structure of society. As stated in Civilization Knowledge, morality should not be limited to the individual conscience, but should be integrated with national culture.
These lessons should illustrate with concrete examples the individual and social destruction of drugs, the destruction of the family structure by prostitution and the weakening of the nation by immorality. For example, groups such as FETÖ have spread immorality and treason under the guise of religion, so religious education should emphasize the true Islamic principles of tolerance, justice and patriotism.
Protecting our culture is an indispensable part of this struggle. Turkish culture, as Atatürk emphasized, is the foundation of civilization and progress.
Ethics instills in young people their cultural identity and builds resilience against foreign influences.
Problems such as drugs and prostitution often arise from a cultural vacuum, which these courses fill by covering national holidays, traditions and ethical values. Including these books in compulsory education saves young people from the traps of treacherous communities and builds a moral society.
In conclusion, the future of Turkey can be secured if Atatürk's Civics and Civics books and Religious, Cultural and Moral Knowledge courses are compulsory and reinforced in schools. This education is essential in order not to forget FETÖ's betrayal and to eradicate vices such as drugs and prostitution. As a nation, it is time to follow Atatürk's path and protect our religion, culture and morals.
The Ministry of National Education should support the devoted efforts of the judiciary in this regard more through education. The need for conscious citizens and moral citizens is becoming more and more important every day. I also wish every CHP member to make their children read Atatürk's Civil Knowledge book more at home and to their children, as it will be beneficial in raising the young people who will save the future of the party. By regaining the meaning of the six arrows.