At the University of Tetova, the study program Oriental Philology of the Faculty of Philosophy organized an event on the occasion of December 21 – the Day of Education in the Turkish Language in the Republic of North Macedonia. The event was attended by eminent figures and authorities from the fields of culture and education, as well as politics, including the Education and Culture Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Aliriza Alltunel; the Religious Affairs Attaché, Mr. Mustafa Bodur; the Rector of the International Balkan University in Skopje, Prof. Dr. Lutfi Sunar; the Director of Maarif International School in Tetovo, Mr. Hikmet Parllall; the General Director of HalkBank in the Republic of North Macedonia, Mr. Fatih Shahbaz; the Director of the Yunus Emre Institute, Mr. Junus Dilber; representatives of Turkology departments from other universities in the country; the Vice-Rector of Vision International University in Gostivar, Prof. Dr. Mensur Nuredin; representatives and students from the “Isa Beu” Madrasa; representatives of non-governmental organizations; members of the Parliament of North Macedonia; vice-deans, heads of study programs, professors, and students.
The opening address of the event was delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Prof. Dr. Kushtrim Ahmeti, who, on behalf of the Faculty, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of education for a nation in its mother tongue, in this particular case, also in the Turkish language. He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the cooperation and mutual support between the University of Tetova, namely the Faculty of Philosophy, and the aforementioned institutions, for the agreements and projects implemented so far, expressing his hope that these ties and collaborations will continue and deepen in the future through new projects.
Regarding the importance and significance of this day, the Head of the study program of Oriental Philology, Prof. Dr. Suleyman Baki, also addressed the attendees. He thanked the University of Tetova for the continuous opportunity and support provided for the functioning of the study program of Oriental Philology, specifically the Turkish Language and Turkish Literature, as well as for the implementation of important programs for the Turkish community in the Republic of North Macedonia.
An address was also delivered by the Education and Culture Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Aliriza Alltunel, who congratulated and praised the organizers of this event, the University of Tetova, and, in particular, the Faculty of Philosophy, led by its Dean, Prof. Dr. Kushtrim Ahmeti, while expressing readiness for cooperation and support for future projects.
The program continued with a presentation on folk verses reflecting the expressive power and richness of the Turkish language, as well as a presentation of the activities of the study program of Oriental Philology. A session was held especially for this occasion under the theme “The Turkish Language and Education in Turkish today and its future in North Macedonia”, moderated by Dr. Eljesa Ismaili. Through their presentations, linguists, literary scholars, and experts in educational issues, Prof. Dr. Aktan Ago, Asst. Prof. Dr. Gyrkan Morallı, Lejla Sherif Emin, and Zekerija Hasipi, presented their views on language and education, including challenges and achievements.
