An analysis of children's books with the themes of the National Struggle and Atatürk in terms of values education within the cultural works series of the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Türkiye

The aim of this thesis study is to examine the children's books Yarbay Mustafa Kemal Atatürk–Umudumuz Var, Ali Faik Bey–Elveda Kuşlar, Seyit Onbaşı–Yükünü Kalbiyle Taşıyan Yiğit, Yüzbaşı İsmail Hakkı Bey–Karanlık Limanın Martısı, and Kınalı Hasan–Vatan Sana Emanet Oğul, which are included in the Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı Kültür Eserleri Serisi and focus on themes of Millî Mücadele and Atatürk. It also aims to highlight the importance of values education, especially during the Millî Mücadele Dönemi, a period rich in national and spiritual values led by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This era emphasized significant values such as love for the homeland, devotion to the flag, unity, martyrdom, and heroism. The transfer of these values to future generations is essential to raising individuals who love their country and uphold national and spiritual ideals. The selected children's books were analyzed using the basic qualitative research method. Within qualitative approaches, document analysis was employed, and descriptive analysis technique was used to examine the texts. The study discusses the definition, characteristics, functions, formation, and classification of values education. It also addresses the importance of delivering this education and the roles of the family, the Millî Eğitim, schools, teachers, textbooks, stories, society, and the Millî Mücadele and Atatürk periods in this process. The books include values such as love for the homeland, compassion, national awareness, sacrifice, respect, responsibility, loyalty, religious devotion, empathy, courage, dignity, trust, kindness, unity, sharing, hospitality, freedom, self-confidence, environmental awareness, and cleanliness. The language used in the books is fluent and simple, and the values are well integrated into the narratives. These books are considered effective in developing children's sense of history, patriotism, and moral awareness. It is believed that values education should be prioritized across all fields. Social sustainability depends on raising generations who grow up with national consciousness and spiritual values. Therefore, families should be supported in coordination with the Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Aile ve Sosyal Politikalar Bakanlığı, other ministries, and civil society organizations. Educators should be equipped through seminars and activities provided by the Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı. Increasing written resources and promoting values through media are vital to building a society where today's children become value-driven parents of the future. Keywords: Values Education, National Struggle, Atatürk and children