MEB Faces Backlash Over 10 November Holiday in School Calendar

The Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB) has officially released the academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year, drawing strong reactions for a controversial scheduling decision. According to the calendar, teachers will begin professional development on 1 September, while students will start classes on 8 September. The first semester will end on Friday, 16 January 2026.

However, one key detail in the calendar has sparked widespread public and political criticism: the first mid-term break is scheduled to begin on 10 November 2025, the anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey.

10 November Holiday Coincides with National Day of Remembrance

In Turkey, 10 November holds deep national significance as the day when the country pauses to honor Atatürk’s legacy through nationwide commemoration ceremonies in schools and public institutions. This year, however, the mid-term break will begin on that very day, prompting accusations that schools may bypass these important memorial events.

CHP Condemns Decision: “Shameful”

Reacting strongly to the development, CHP Denizli MP Gülizar Biçer Karaca took to social media to criticize the Ministry’s planning:

“The Ministry of Education announced the 2025–2026 school calendar. The mid-term break starts on 10 November, the day our founder and savior Atatürk passed away. Declaring a holiday on the day schools are supposed to conduct remembrance ceremonies—shame on you!”

Karaca’s statement reflects broader concerns among educators and citizens who fear the symbolic importance of 10 November could be diminished in schools due to its overlap with the scheduled break.

A Broader Debate on National Values and Education Policy

The controversy has reignited debate about how national values are reflected in education policies, especially in relation to state commemorations and civic education. Critics argue that commemorating Atatürk in schools on 10 November is more than a tradition—it is a civic responsibility that should not be eclipsed by vacation schedules.

The Ministry has yet to respond to the backlash or clarify whether schools will still be expected to hold remembrance ceremonies prior to the start of the break.