Turkish Maarif Foundation

The Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMF) is a public foundation established under Law No. 6721 adopted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye on June 17, 2016, with the purpose of carrying out formal and non-formal education activities at all levels of education from pre-school to higher education abroad on behalf of the Republic of Türkiye. TMF maintains its activities within the framework of its mission “to carry out qualified educational activities based on the common knowledge of humanity all over the world and the ancient wisdom tradition of Anatolia” and its vision “to be a pioneering, reliable brand educational institution that raises virtuous individuals who will use their knowledge and wisdom for the peace and tranquillity of humanity”.

The mission and activities of the Turkish Maarif Foundation are essentially in line with the UN’s goals of “Maintaining Lasting Peace All Over the World” stated in its founding charter and “Quality Education for Sustainable Development” declared in the UN 2030 Vision Document, as well as with the goals set out in the OECD’s “Education 2030: The Future of Education and Skills” document on the acquisition of 21st-century skills. In this respect, TMF serves the establishment of a more livable and just world through education.

Four main fields of activity are entrusted to TMF by Law No. 6721:

• – Education: TMF conducts formal and non-formal education activities. In terms of formal education, it acts by opening pre-school education, primary and secondary education, and higher education institutions. In terms of non-formal education, it acts by opening courses, study centres, culture and education centres.
• – Publishing and Curriculum Development: TMF conducts scientific research and R&D studies on educational methods and procedures and curriculum development, produces educational programmes and contents, and prepares scientific publications for educational purposes. In this context, the foundation prepares its own unique accreditation and curriculum programme under the name of International Maarif-IM.
• -Support to Education: TMF supports its educational activities in its educational institutions abroad through complementary units such as libraries, laboratories, and art and sports facilities. It also provides educational tools and equipment to students in need.
• – Scholarship and Accommodation: TMF offers scholarships to successful students. It also establishes facilities such as dormitories, hostels, and lodgings to support the accommodation needs of its students and employees. Official contact has been established with 106 countries all over the world, from Europe to Far Asia, Africa to Latin America, and formal and non-formal education services are provided in educational institutions operated in 51 of these countries. Of the 445 educational institutions in 51 countries, 421 are preschool, primary and secondary (K-12) schools, 1 is a university and 23 are non-formal education centres. Of the educational institutions, 226 were formerly FETÖ-affiliated and were closed down as a result of diplomatic negotiations with the relevant countries and then transferred to the Foundation. The remaining 219 educational institutions were opened directly by TMF. Over 55 thousand students receive education in TMF’s educational institutions abroad.

• In educational institutions under the Turkish Maarif Foundation, education is basically based on the local curriculum of the country of operation. Also, with the permission of the respective governments, school programmes with the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge Certificate can also be implemented. In addition, TMF has started to pilot its own unique curriculum, the International Maarif (IM) curriculum. Whether local, international, or IM, TMF educational institutions offer students a comprehensive curriculum containing modern science, social sciences, technological skills, language skills, local culture and values. Primarily teaching its students their national language and Turkish, and also teaching a foreign language, thus offering education in at least three languages, TMF attaches importance to its students learning local cultural values, and in this context, it also includes courses offered by local teachers in its curriculum.
• Other activities carried out by TMF apart from formal and non-formal education activities are as follows:
• -“Turkish as a foreign language teaching programme”, “Turkish culture and civilisation course secondary education programme”, “Maarif preschool education programme”, and science and mathematics programmes were completed.
• – As a result of the cooperation agreements signed with the most prestigious universities in the countries of operation, “Centres for Turkish Studies” are opened on university campuses. The aim of these centres is to support international academic studies on Türkiye, to encourage research in political, social, economic, historical and cultural fields, and to increase cooperation opportunities in higher education between Türkiye and other countries.
• -Also, Maarif Agency has been established. Maarif Agency ensures that qualified international students, especially Maarif students, prefer Türkiye for higher education and obtain accurate information about universities in Türkiye.
• -The “Istanbul Education Summit” aims to be a meeting point for institutions and actors standing out with their international activities and studies on education.
• -International Maarif Journal is published with the purpose of contributing to the education community with current developments in international education, academic discussions and special agenda files.
• Turkish Maarif Foundation raises virtuous individuals who are equipped with global skills, have internalised their own values, are loyal to Türkiye, strengthen the bonds of friendship between our nation and other nations, and serve world peace through the quality and qualified education services it offers. Our Foundation also contributes to the strong image of our country, promotes our country abroad with the right resources, and acts as a significant implementer of our country’s public diplomacy in the field of education and culture.

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