Two Meaningful Projects from Türk Eğitim-Sen and UAESEB for Iraqi Turkmens: "We Cross Borders with Turkish Language Teaching"

ANKARA - Under the leadership of Türk Eğitim-Sen and International Union of Eurasian Education Unions (UAESEB), in cooperation with Yıldırım Beyazıt University and Turkmeneli Students and Youth Union, two important projects for the Turkmen Region of Iraq were realized. The programs launched under the names of "Turkish Teaching Program (Training of Trainers)" and "Preparing Turkmen Youth in Iraq for the Future: The programs launched under the name of "Turkish Teaching Project" aim to increase the Turkish competence of Turkologists and Turkmen youth in the region and strengthen cultural ties.

Intense Participation and Support for the Opening Session of the Projects

The opening session of the projects was held online and attended by Talip Geylan, President of Türk Eğitim-Sen and UAESEB. In the opening session; Yıldırım Beyazıt University Secretary General Dr. Faculty Member Mümin Şen, Turkmeneli Students and Youth Union President Murat İmadeddin, Yıldırım Beyazıt University Dilmer Director Lecturer Bünyamin Oğuz, Kirkuk Turkmeneli Main School Principal Mustafa Bayraktar on behalf of the teachers who took courses in the "Training of Trainers" program and Cengiz Kocakaplan, Vice President of Türk Eğitim-Sen made speeches. Türk Eğitim-Sen R&D Coordinator Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Yeşil, Turkmeneli Students and Youth Union executives, trainees and lecturers involved in both projects were also present.

Kocakaplan: "These Projects are the Product of a Strong Cooperation"

Deputy President Cengiz Kocakaplan, who moderated the opening session, stated that the projects aim to teach Turkish, which is a common ideal, more strongly in Turkmenelia and to prepare Turkmen youth for the future. Kocakaplan emphasized that the projects are the product of a strong cooperation and said, "Turkmen youth who learn their language, preserve their culture and prepare for the future will be the hope not only of Iraqi Turkism but also of all oppressed and troubled Turkism."

Geylan: "As long as Turkish is spoken in Turkmenistan, Kirkuk will survive"

General President Talip Geylan stated in his speech that the projects are not just educational activities, but will be instrumental in the resurrection of our thousand-year brotherhood heritage and will enable Turkmen youth to look to the future with hope. "The strongest bond that keeps a nation standing is language," said Geylan, "As long as Turkish is spoken in Turkmenistan, Kirkuk is standing, Mosul is standing, Tal Afar is standing. We know that a nation that loses its language loses its identity. A nation that strengthens its language builds its future."

Geylan reminded that with the Turkish education mobilization launched last year, nearly 150 students received C1 level Turkish proficiency certificate and started their university education in Turkey with YTB scholarships and said that these young people are the pride of Turkmenelia. Geylan also stated that new projects will enable Turkish schools and the region to meet the need for qualified educators.

"Educated Youth Will Protect the Future of Turkmeneli at the Ballot Box"

Reminding that Iraqi parliamentary elections will be held on November 11, 2025, Geylan emphasized that these elections are of vital importance for Kirkuk. "Kirkuk is Turkish and the eternal home of Turkmens," Geylan said, adding that the unity of Turkmens will both provide stronger representation in the Iraqi parliament and protect the existence of Turkmeneli. Geylan said, "Educated, conscious and nationally conscious youth will protect the future of Turkmenelia not only in the classroom but also at the ballot box."

At the end of his speech, Geylan thanked those who contributed to the project and addressed the Turkmen youth, saying, "Our future is in our unity, our strength is in our togetherness. Your presence is the bridge of the Turkic world reaching the region."