Turkey's academic year commences with a heightened emphasis on forest fire safety education

The 2025-2026 academic year commences tomorrow for primary and secondary schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education (MEB) in Turkey. This year marks the beginning of the "Green Homeland - My School is the Solution for the Future" campaign, where all primary school students will receive saplings to foster a love for nature and encourage environmental conservation.

To kick off the campaign, a short film themed "Every Child a Sapling" will be screened on the first day of school. Additionally, a lesson themed "Protecting the Green Homeland Against Forest Fires" will set the tone for the year's focus on environmental education.

Throughout the year, students will be encouraged to participate in forest cleaning initiatives and plant saplings in their schools and communities. Middle school students will also engage in adaptation guidance activities this week, furthering their understanding of environmental issues.

Classes will be held in 74,538 schools and 761,416 classrooms, including newly opened institutions. Approximately 18 million students and 1.2 million teachers will attend classes nationwide. Orientation programs were held from Sept. 1-5 for students starting preschool and first grade to ensure a smooth transition into the new school year.

During the first week, schools will conduct awareness programs and educational activities focusing on forest protection and fire prevention. The first midterm break will take place from Nov. 10-14, and Atatürk Week will coincide with the first midterm break, with schools holding various events to commemorate Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his colleagues.

The second semester will start on Feb. 2 and continue until June 26. The second midterm break is scheduled for March 16-20. In the second semester, the "Türkiye Century Maarif Model" will be introduced for the first time. This model will be implemented in kindergarten, practice classes, grades 1-2 of primary school, grades 5-6 of middle school, preparatory classes, and grades 9-10 of secondary education.

In an effort to improve education quality and access, 70,000 new staff members have been employed under the Public Benefit Program (TYP), bringing the total number of school personnel to 123,000. This expansion aims to provide better support for students and teachers in the new academic year.

The first semester will end on Jan. 16, 2026. The midyear break will take place from Jan. 19 to Jan. 30, offering students and teachers a well-deserved rest before diving back into the new semester. With the focus on environmental education, staff expansion, and the introduction of the "Türkiye Century Maarif Model," the 2025-2026 academic year promises to be an exciting and educational journey for students across Turkey.

Turkey's academic year commences with a heightened emphasis on forest fire safety education