On a review education in Afyonkarahisar(1923-1945)

Afyon, which had an important place on the road to victory during the National Struggle, was also occupied by British, French and Greek forces, as it was a frontline city. During the occupation, school buildings were used by enemy forces and destroyed and burned. These developments caused problems in the field of education in Afyon. With the declaration of the Republic, efforts were made to eliminate the damage and destruction caused by the war. Thus, a period in which innovations were made in every field was entered. One of these innovations was the work carried out in the field of education in Afyon. Due to the low literacy rate in the early years of the Republic, the importance given to education and training increased. In this direction, a mobilization was started to teach everyone how to read and write. New and large school buildings were built. Efforts were made to improve the situation of teachers and students. Efforts were made to increase the number of teachers and to pay their salaries regularly. In the curriculum program, there were courses that included practical and technical information as well as positive and social sciences so that students could develop themselves in every field. Appropriate environments were provided for students to demonstrate their talents. Poor students were identified and provided with clothing, food and accommodation assistance. In schools, not only education but also various social activities (trips, shows, conferences, exhibitions, farewell teas, sports, shows, national holiday celebrations) were carried out. In this study, the literacy rates, the number of school buildings, teachers, students, the number of students, art schools, budgets and expenditures allocated to education in Afyon city center and districts between 1923-1945 were presented using periodicals, archive sources, TBMM Minutes, research works and other sources. In addition, the place and importance of Afyon Turkish Hearths, Afyon National Schools, Instructor Courses, Afyon Community Centers and Community Rooms, which are widespread educational institutions located in Afyon city center and districts, in education were emphasized. Since the name Afyonkarahisar started to be used in 2005, the name of the province will be used as Afyon in this study in order to be suitable for the terminology of the period. Keywords: Afyon, Education, Republican Period, School, Teacher, Student