MEB decision on private educational institutions: Names must now be in Turkish

Turkey's Ministry of National Education (MEB) has issued a directive requiring all private educational institutions to adopt Turkish names. This new regulation, in line with the Private Educational Institutions Regulation, mandates that institution names must carry a specific meaning and be consistent with the general and specific objectives, principles, and educational programs of Turkish national education. Institutions that were previously licensed under foreign names will need to comply with the new regulations. Applications for name changes must be submitted by October 1st. According to a statement from the ministry, these institutions will no longer be permitted to use their existing foreign names. However, minority schools, foreign and international private educational institutions, and courses offering only foreign language instruction will still be allowed to use foreign names. The ministry emphasized that the selection of institution names will also consider the national, moral, humanitarian, spiritual, and cultural values of the Turkish nation. Names that contradict these values or could negatively affect students' psychosocial development will not be permitted. This directive is guided by constitutional principles for the protection of national culture and values, aiming to ensure that institution names align with national and spiritual values, and to prevent cultural erosion, identity loss, value decay, linguistic alienation, and negative impacts on students' psychosocial development. The regulation underscores the importance of adhering to the fundamental principles and objectives of national education. The deadline for submitting applications for name changes in accordance with the new regulations is October 1st.

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Private educational institutions will have to carry a Turkish name that carries a specific meaning and is in line with the general and specific objectives and basic principles of Turkish national education, and the institution's purpose, education program and level.