Ankara- New school year has commenced in Turkey in in 81 provinces. Up to 18, 043 million students arrived on Monday to schools and universities.

This year differs from previous ones because of the failed coup that took place in July. Throughout the week, schools and institutions are holding celebrations and various programs on the victory of democracy and in the memory of martyrs.

Through these activities, organizers aim at unifying the students’ concepts and values which reject aggression and extremism and urge loving and sacrificing for the sake of the nation.

To celebrate the new school year, many municipalities announced free transportation and raised flags in the streets and main squads. One thousand schools affiliated to U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen were shut down, knowing that the authorities accuse Gulen of plotting the failed attempt and demand that the U.S. submit him to the authorities.

The Turkish government transformed these widely known schools into religious education schools and named them after the victims of the failed coup which resulted in the death of 237 citizens and policemen.

In the same context, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the education sector has always been a top priority for the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Erdogan stressed the stance to be taken with regards to the void in the education sector as a result of the failed coup in 15 July.

President added that the success in the education sector contributes in achieving Turkish goals by 2023. “We put education on top of our priorities and the improvement in this sector during the past years is obvious,” he said.

Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said that the world witnessed how the Turkish youth fought the armed individuals and refused to surrender to terrorism. He added that Fethullah Gulen Group spread during the past years into various vital sectors including education.