Ministry of National Education Revises Geographical and Historical Terms in Textbooks

Quick summary

The Ministry of National Education has changed geographical and historical terms in textbooks: 'Turkistan' will be used instead of Central Asia, 'Islands Sea' instead of Aegean Sea, and 'Crusade attacks' instead of Crusades. The Ministry emphasizes that these changes will strengthen students' national identity and historical awareness.

Why it matters

If you are a parent with a child in school, you will see these new terms in your child's textbooks and exams—be prepared for potential differences in understanding between home and school. If you work in the education sector, you will need to update course materials and curriculum practices according to this new framework.

Key takeaways

• ›Turkey's Ministry of National Education is updating school textbooks to reflect a 'national memory' framework.
• ›Key terminological shifts include 'Turkestan' for Central Asia, 'Sea of Islands' for the Aegean Sea, and 'Crusader attacks' for the Crusades.
• ›The Ministry says the revisions are aimed at fostering national identity and historical consciousness among students.