“We Will Not Lose Another Teacher!”

Tears for Teacher Fatma Nur, a Strong Message Against Violence in Education

Teachers from the Bornova Municipality Youth Education Center (BELGEM) reacted strongly to the killing of teacher Fatma Nur Çelik by one of her students in the district of Çekmeköy in Istanbul. Drawing attention to the increasing violence in education, the teachers called for safer schools. While demanding concrete and lasting measures to prevent violence, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that the safety of educational environments is a public responsibility.

Teachers from the Bornova Belediyesi Gençlik Eğitim Merkezi (BELGEM) issued a statement condemning the fatal stabbing of teacher Fatma Nur Çelik, who worked at Borsa İstanbul Mesleki ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi in the Çekmeköy district of Istanbul. In the press statement made by BELGEM teachers, attention was drawn to the rising violence in education and a call was made for secure schools.

“We Lost a Mother, an Educator”

In the statement read by teacher representative and mathematics teacher Ayşe Yantiri, it was emphasized that the incident was not merely an individual tragedy.

“We lost a teacher. We lost a mother. We lost an education worker,” the statement said, expressing deep sorrow.

It was underlined that Teacher Fatma Nur was not only an educator who taught lessons but also a mother and a mentor striving to guide both her own child and her students. The statement stressed that schools must be safe spaces and called for the protection of teachers and stronger support for students.

“Safe Schools Are a Right”

The statement highlighted the need to strengthen guidance and psychosocial support services, establish preventive mechanisms, and ensure safer educational environments.

“Education is a public responsibility. Safe schools are a right. Qualified, scientific, and secular education is a right,” the statement declared, adding that teachers should not be forced into insecure and devalued working conditions.

Following the statement, BELGEM teachers continued their protest with slogans, stating that they would not remain silent against violence in education.

Reaction to War: “Let Children Not Die”

The press statement also addressed conflicts around the world, not only violence in schools. Attacks targeting schools in Iran were condemned, and a call was made: “Wherever it happens, children must not die; peace must prevail immediately.”

Teacher Fatma Nur was remembered with respect, and condolences were extended to her family and the entire education community.

Mayor Eşki: “A Shared Responsibility Against Violence in Education”

Ömer Eşki, Mayor of Bornova Belediyesi, also commented on the tragic incident:

“Losing a teacher in her classroom has deeply saddened all of us. The safety of educational environments is a shared responsibility not only of teachers but also of the public and all institutions. We must establish an education system where our children and teachers are safe.”

Eşki added that a clear stance must be taken against all forms of violence and stated that local governments will continue to support education and stand by young people.