Teacher’s Day Celebrated Across Northern Cyprus

On November 24, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Turkey celebrated Teacher’s Day, a special occasion honoring educators and paying tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, who was also a former school principal and national leader. Events commemorating the day were held across Northern Cyprus.

In Lefkoşa, a ceremony marking the anniversary of Atatürk being granted the title "Head Teacher" took place in front of his monument.

The ceremony began with the national anthem and a moment of silence. The Minister of National Education, Nazım Çavuşoğlu, attended the event, alongside Mithat Tekçam, the Educational Counselor from the Turkish Embassy in Lefkoşa, officials from the Ministry of National Education, and representatives from the Atatürk Teacher Training Academy.

TRNC President Ersin Tatar, who was abroad at the time, issued a heartfelt message for Teacher’s Day. He highlighted the pivotal role teachers play as the foundation of a society's future, emphasizing their significant contributions to the Turkish Cypriot community’s struggle for existence and national identity.

Teacher’s Day is observed annually on November 24 in both the TRNC and Turkey. The holiday was established in 1981 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Atatürk’s birth. It was on this date that the revered leader was officially recognized as a school principal and given the honorary title "Head Teacher."