Turkish president observes national Teachers’ Day

By Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday observed the national Teachers' Day, which marks the day when Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was given the title of “Head Teacher” in 1928.

Erdogan issued a message emphasizing the importance of teachers in the future of the country.

"Our teachers build our future with the responsibilities they undertake in preparing our children and young people for the future," Erdogan said.

"I believe that our teachers will continue to fulfill their duties by being aware of this great responsibility and taking into consideration the benefit of our country," he said.

National Education Minister Yusuf Ziya Selcuk and 81 teachers from all 81 provinces of Turkey visited Ataturk's grand mausoleum complex in Ankara, Anitkabir, which also houses a museum.

Teachers' Day has been celebrated in Turkey every Nov. 24 since 1981.