Kadriye Doğan, co-chair of the Democratic Alevi Associations (DAD), criticised Turkey’s new curriculum in an interview with ANF published on Monday, arguing that it aims to mould society to fit the ideologies of the regime. The National Education Ministry revealed the draft of the “Turkey’s Century Education Model” curriculum on 26 April, set to be implemented in the coming school year.
The curriculum, opened to public consultation until 10 May, has drawn intense criticism from educators, unions, political parties and bar associations. Critics argue that it deviates significantly from the principles of science and secularism, embodying the government’s ideological objectives. “Education is being used as a weapon to shape society. This requires serious opposition,” Doğan stated.
The new curriculum includes references to values and virtues, using terms like “sound mind” and “sound heart,” which Doğan claims reveal the political power’s ideological goals. “The most successful state apparatus after the military has been education, aimed at shaping desired behaviours and thoughts,” she emphasised.
The curriculum has also been criticised for its approach to Alevi teachings, which Doğan described as the most distorted perspective yet. “This curriculum seeks to assimilate Alevi identity within Sunni Islam, effectively attempting to erase it,” she said.
Doğan highlighted the importance of secular education for the future of society, urging all sectors to raise their voices against the curriculum. “Secular education is not the responsibility only of Alevis but of the entire society. Everyone must speak out for our future.”
She also criticised the short period allocated for public feedback on the curriculum, questioning whether the responses received were sufficient to halt the programme. “People are preoccupied with survival issues like poverty and unemployment, leaving education as a lesser priority. This situation must change, and society should deeply engage in this discussion and protest.”
Doğan concluded by stressing the danger of education being utilised to create an obedient, unquestioning society. “If implemented, this curriculum will lead Turkey towards becoming another Iran or Afghanistan within twenty years. We must oppose this with all our might,” she urged.
