The 16th Consultation Meeting of Country Representatives of Turkish Maarif Foundation Has Begun

April 07, 2026

Turkish Maarif Foundation is holding its 16th Country Representatives Consultation Meeting in Istanbul.

At the meeting, held at the Foundation’s headquarters,  President of TMF Mahmut M. Özdil delivered an opening address in which he conveyed important messages regarding both the Foundation’s achievements over the past 10 years and its activities on a global scale.

The meeting was attended by members of the Board of Trustees, members of the Executive Board, and representatives serving in various countries around the world.

In his opening remarks, President Özdil expressed his “pleasure in welcoming all representatives to their home,” and expressed his hope that this year’s meeting would be as productive as those in previous years.

“We organized iftar meals in 20 countries, bringing thousands of people together at the same table”

Emphasizing that Turkish Maarif Foundation organized iftar programs in 20 different countries this year, Özdil noted that these programs welcomed not only Muslim communities but also people from different religions and cultures.

Özdil highlighted how these programs contribute to international dialogue by sharing notable examples of iftars held in various countries around the world.

“Maarif Foundation: A New Model for Public Service on the International Stage”

President of the Foundation noted that TMF’s structural characteristics cannot be easily compared to similar examples worldwide:

“We are not merely a cultural diplomacy institution; we are a unique entity that trains teachers, implements curricula, administers exams, and provides public services abroad.”

Özdil, noting that similar educational institutions in other countries do not fully cover TMF’s scope of activities, said the Foundation will eventually occupy a special place in academic literature and added, “This situation imposes a heavy public responsibility on us; moreover, not just a single, but a dual responsibility. A responsibility toward the Republic of Türkiye, the Turkish people, and our state; and a responsibility toward the institutions, authorities, and most importantly, the families in the countries where we operate.

When our flag flies and our schools open across a vast geography stretching from Senegal to Kyrgyzstan, from Austria to Peru, what is at stake is not merely an educational activity, but also a state commitment, a serious legal obligation, and above all, a trust we have placed in our students and their families. We must never forget the awareness and responsibility that comes with this trust. “I believe that this unique structure of Turkish Maarif Foundation will, in the future, become a focal point of academic interest not only in Turkey but also in the fields of comparative law and public administration. In fact, the work we are conducting is opening a new path in this literature; it is building a new model and perhaps adding a new dimension to the theory of public service,” he said.

Operations in 66 countries, active contacts in 121 countries

Özdil announced that the TMF continues its actual educational activities in 66 countries, noting that work is ongoing in Sudan and São Tomé and Príncipe, bringing the total number of countries where activities are conducted to 66.

He also noted that the Foundation maintains active contacts in 121 countries and conducts planning activities in 132 countries: “This scale now signifies not merely operational success but a presence that has evolved into a global anchor of stability and trust,” he remarked.

10th-Anniversary Assessment and Three Strategic Goals

During the speech, it was also announced that a comprehensive assessment process had been launched to mark the Foundation’s 10th anniversary. It was noted that the Foundation will focus on three key strategic pillars in the coming period: financial sustainability, strengthening educational content, and enhancing institutional capacity and developing a quality management system.

Turkish language instruction and “increasing students’ motivation to learn Turkish” were also highlighted as strategic priorities.

Kyrgyzstan and international achievements

Özdil drew attention to the academic achievements attained following the takeover of FETÖ-affiliated schools in Kyrgyzstan. He emphasized that TMF students have achieved notable rankings in national and international competitions.

Activities of the Maarif Agency and Research Centers

Noting that academic collaborations are continuing to grow, the President stated that the international education fairs organized by the Maarif Agency have attracted significant interest. He also noted that the Turkey Research Centers play a critical role in transferring academic expertise from both Turkey and the countries where they operate to the institution.

The 16th Turkey Maarif Foundation Country Representatives and Consultation Meeting will continue over the next four days with presentations, evaluations, and discussions.