Turkey has announced that the theory of evolution will be removed from the curriculum in high school textbooks. According to Reuters, Alpaslan Durmuş, head of Turkey's National Education Board, stated that this decision was made because the topic of evolution is considered a 'controversial' issue and difficult for students to understand. This action has faced opposition from secular groups in Turkey, who believe it is part of the government's ongoing Islamicization of the country, which poses a threat to Turkey's secular foundations. Durmuş mentioned that if students lack a background in logical reasoning and hypotheses or do not possess scientific knowledge and frameworks, they will not be able to comprehend certain controversial topics. Therefore, some of these topics have been removed. A chapter titled 'The Origin of Life and Evolution' will be eliminated from biology textbooks, and this material will only be accessible to those who go to university. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, which explains the divergence of animal species from older and primitive species through scientific methods, faces opposition from followers of Abrahamic religions and some other faiths; Christian believers assert that the creation of the world and its beings occurred in six days. Numan Kurtulmuş, Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister, stated earlier this year that Darwin's theory, first published in the 19th century, is 'obsolete and decayed' and does not need to be taught. Durmuş also noted that the changes in the school curriculum aim to align educational materials with 'Turkish values' and will be implemented in the 2017-2018 academic year. A total of 51 curricula, from elementary to high school, will undergo content changes, including those in 'Imam Hatip' religious schools, which are supported by the Erdoğan government. According to Reuters, a pro-secular education lobby group in Turkey called 'Eğitim-İş' has expressed concern over these changes, stating that these actions undermine and threaten the achievements of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.
Turkey to Remove Evolution Theory from School Curricula
Turkey has decided to remove the theory of evolution from high school curricula, citing its controversial nature and difficulty for students. This move has sparked opposition from secular groups who view it as part of a broader Islamicization agenda by President Erdoğan's government. The changes are seen as a threat to Turkey's secular educational foundations.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Turkey has decided to remove the theory of evolution from high school curricula, citing its controversial nature and difficulty for students. This decision has sparked opposition from secular groups who view it as part of a broader Islamicization agenda by President Erdoğan's government.
- A chapter on 'The Origin of Life and Evolution' will be eliminated from biology textbooks.
- Changes will affect 51 curricula from elementary to high school, including religious schools.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Turkey has a complex history of secularism established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which has been challenged by recent governments favoring Islamic values.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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