Akbaş Village and Its Importance in Education History
Affiliated to Balya district of Balıkesir Akbash village, holds an important place in Turkish education history. Before the declaration of the Republic, one of the first steps taken in the field of education was the establishment of Turkey's first village primary school here. This situation clearly shows the importance the Republican administration gave to education.
Ataturk's Visit and the Proclamation of the Republic
While visiting Balıkesir on February 6, 1923, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk also visited the village of Akbaş. Here he told the villagers The idea of the republic Atatürk, who described the incident, said, “We saved the country from the enemy. We became a new state. Its administrative form will be the Republic.” This speech formed the cornerstones of the education concept in the village.
The Idea of Establishing a Primary School in a Village
After Ataturk's speech, Latife Hanım He came up with the idea of opening a primary school in the village. He pointed out a suitable place for education in the village by saying, “Kemal, what a great school this would be.” This suggestion was made by one of the village leaders Ahmet Aga Ahmet Ağa, as a teacher with a vision in education, adopted the idea of opening a school in the village.
Construction and Process of the School
Ahmet Ağa immediately took action for the construction of the school. Architects and engineers from the French mine in Balya Mr. Nuri He contacts the school and has the plan of the school prepared. Ahmet Ağa decides to build this building together with the villagers without any external support. This symbolizes the determination of the village people regarding education.
Opening of the School and Education Life
On November 29, 1929, The Alphabet Revolution Immediately after its announcement, the school opened its doors to students with the new alphabet. This school continued to provide education until 1991, and then began to serve as a museum in 2010. The stone sign on its wall reading “Akbaş School 1929” sheds light on the educational history of the village.
UNESCO Candidacy and Cultural Values
Akbaş village has been nominated for the UNESCO Heritage List. In this context, the village headman Gulay Dayican In the interviews with the village and the school, the cultural importance of the village and the school was emphasized. Dayıcan stated that his father was one of the first graduates of the school and expressed how valuable this school was for them.
Restoration Efforts and Preservation of History
Many studies have been carried out to turn the school into a museum. Dayıcan stated that in the examinations made before the restoration, they discovered that the school could last for another hundred years. In addition, Khorasan mortar The restoration process carried out by the school demonstrates their commitment to its history and structure.
Student Memories and the National Anthem
During the discovery of the stairs at the entrance of the school, the village elders remembered that they had read the National Anthem there. These memories reveal how deep and meaningful the educational history of the village is. The discovery of the stairs symbolizes the longing and respect for the educational history of the village.
Hope for the Future and Continuity in Education
Akbaş village has become a symbol of the educational efforts made in the past. Today, the educational heritage of the village continues to be passed on to future generations. Dayıcan and the villagers are determined to do their best to preserve these values. Education continues to be a source of hope for the future of the village.
The story of Akbaş village and school is an important part of Turkish education history. This village is not only an educational institution but also a cultural heritage. This strong past in education will continue to inspire future generations.
