The “History Education Workshop for History Teachers of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” was organized in Kyrenia in collaboration with the Turkish Historical Society and the TRNC Ministry of National Education, General Secondary Education Department.
The workshop was held on February 27-28, 2024 with the participation of the TRNC Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, the President of the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language and History H. E. Ambassador Prof. Dr. Derya Örs, the President of the Turkish Historical Society Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, the President of the Directorate of State Archives Prof. Dr. Uğur Ünal, the Director of the General Secondary Education Department of the TRNC Ministry of National Education Cengiz Topel Uzun, academicians and history teachers working in the TRNC.
In his opening remarks at the event, Nazım Çavuşoğlu, Director of the General Secondary Education Department of the Ministry of National Education, underscored the critical role of teachers in shaping future generations, referencing Atatürk’s assertion that “Teachers, the new generation will be your masterpiece.” Çavuşoğlu articulated the importance of historical awareness, stating, “If we raise a generation that does not understand history, it is impossible for us to preserve our existence. It is our responsibility to nurture generations that will uphold our language and culture.” He emphasized the need for educators to teach history rather than merely recount it. Furthermore, Minister Çavuşoğlu highlighted the necessity of fostering interaction within Cyprus, asserting that collaboration with colleagues from Turkey will enhance teachers’ motivation.
The President of the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language, and History, H. E. Ambassador Prof. Dr. Derya Örs, affirmed that the Republic of Turkey engages with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on the basis of equality and partnership. He emphasized Turkey’s commitment to defending the rights of the TRNC across various international platforms, stating, “As institutions, we strive to contribute to the TRNC, which was established following the peace operation conducted by Turkey and has since emerged as a national state, in order to facilitate its development and secure its rightful place in the international arena.” Örs further articulated the significance of Turkish history as a vital component of human history, highlighting its extensive influence across Europe, Africa, and the three major continents, while also encompassing not only the Anatolian geography but also a large part of world history. He remarked, “Although the responsibility of conveying this history can be burdensome at times, We will continue to work for it to be understood correctly.” Emphasizing the importance of continual learning, Örs stated, “We should never cease to learn while we teach. Each day that passes without acquiring new knowledge is a missed opportunity.” He urged, “We must not only read, but also critically engage with what we read, envisioning scenarios regarding the world and future that await us in relation to current global events.”
The President of the Turkish Historical Society, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, stated that it is in the tradition of the Turkish Historical Society to work with history teachers. Referring to the fact that the first congress of the society was held in 1932 with history teachers, Özgen said, “Our society, which is the representative of such a tradition, is re-strengthening its ties with teachers and coming together with teachers from the fields of social sciences, especially history.” Emphasizing the significance of these meetings for the transmission of cultural vision and values, Özgen also highlighted the importance of conducting the workshop in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), asserting that educators play a crucial role in conveying Turkishness consciousness to future generations in Cyprus.
Cengiz Topel Uzun, Director of the General Secondary Education Department, expressed his pride in benefiting from the vast knowledge of the Turkish Historical Society founded by Atatürk and in carrying out joint studies. Uzun emphasized that history should be examined as a means of fostering the advancement of individuals, societies, and states, asserting that history educators bear a significant responsibility in conveying historical truths to future generations.
The workshop, which included presentations on topics such as “The Role of Turkish Archives in History Education,” “Turkish Librarianship in History Education,” “History Education and Historical Consciousness,” “The Culture of Coexistence from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic,” and “Genocide Memory in Bosnian History Education” for two days, ended with an evaluation session.
