Turkey Replaces 'Central Asia' with 'Turkistan' in School Curricula

Curriculum Update Aims for Turkic Unity

On November 20, 2025, Turkey's Ministry of National Education officially introduced the term 'Turkistan' into its school curricula, replacing the previously used 'Central Asia.' This significant change is part of a broader educational reform initiative, with officials stating its primary goal is to strengthen unity within the Turkic world and foster a stronger sense of national identity and patriotism among younger generations.

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin emphasized that the move is intended to remove geographical terms with 'imperialistic connotations' from the education system. The term 'Central Asia' is historically linked to the Russian invasion in the 19th century, while 'Turkistan' is seen as a more historically accurate descriptor for regions predominantly inhabited by Turkic-speaking peoples.

Historical Context and Official Support

The decision has garnered support from high-ranking officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who stressed the importance of Turkic unity and extending the vision of the 'Turkish Century' to the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Scholars have also weighed in, with Professor Ahmet Taşagıl explaining that 'Turkistan,' meaning 'homeland of the Turks,' has been in use since ancient times. Associate Professor Ramin Sadık affirmed the decision, stating, 'Embracing the concept of Turkistan is essential, and the Ministry of Education is right to incorporate it into textbooks.'

Scope of the Educational Reforms

The curriculum overhaul, part of the 'Century of Türkiye Education Model,' will impact various educational levels, specifically targeting:

• Preschool
• First-grade
• Fifth-grade
• High school preparatory levels
• Ninth-grade levels

The Ministry of Education aims to eliminate outdated and scientifically inaccurate terms, replacing them with more precise language that reflects historical and cultural realities. This initiative is also seen as a crucial step in developing a shared history, geography, literature, maps, and even a common alphabet for the Turkic world.

Broader Implications for the Turkic World

This educational shift is part of Turkey's broader strategy to strengthen cultural and historical ties across Turkic-speaking countries. Through initiatives like this, Turkey seeks to reinforce its cultural influence and deepen regional cooperation, aligning with efforts to institutionalize the 'Turkic World' concept in its foreign policy. The move underscores a commitment to fostering partnerships and enhancing a shared cultural heritage among Turkic nations.