The life, works and contributions of Dr. Erdoğan Okyay to music education

Starting from the Ottoman era and continuing through the declaration of the Republic, significant advancements in music, along with other fields, have been pursued in Turkey. This period, encompassing both pre- and post-Republican times, witnessed substantial innovations in Turkish music and music education. With the proclamation of the Republic, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, notable reforms were implemented in the realms of music and music education. These initiatives, aimed at prioritizing the arts, have yielded significant outcomes. Institutions established during the Republican era, the development of music education, and the contributions of esteemed music educators trained at these institutions have been instrumental. These educators, along with their works and the artists and teacher candidates they have mentored, have provided enduring artistic value to Turkish music from then to now, illuminating the path for future musicians and educators. One of the most significant reforms bestowed upon our nation by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk pertains to the field of education. Valuing the arts and artists, Atatürk established institutions dedicated to art education and built robust academic faculties to advance the country's cultural and artistic landscape. The Music Teacher's School (Musiki Muallim Mektebi), now known as Gazi Education Institute, was one such institution where prominent music educators were trained. Among them was Dr. Erdoğan Okyay. This thesis thoroughly examines Okyay's life, his contributions to Turkish music education, his books, his identity as an educator, and the children's songs he brought into Turkish music education.