The route along which Mustafa Kemal Atatürk set out on May 19, 1919, to begin the Turkish War of Independence is being brought back into the spotlight through the “Independence Route” project, initiated by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU).
Scheduled to take place between September 13–17, 2025, the project aims to instill historical awareness in teachers and teacher candidates, promote cultural heritage, and integrate this heritage into out-of-classroom education experiences.
The project targets geography, history, and social studies teachers who are currently working in schools under the Ministry of National Education and pursuing graduate studies, as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in related teacher education programs at universities.
The “Independence Route” covers the section of the historical path within the borders of Samsun Province, tracing the first steps of Atatürk and his comrades on the journey toward independence from Samsun to Ankara. The goal is to utilize this route, which holds the qualities of an open-air museum, for both educational and tourism purposes.
Participants will receive training from 13 academics representing four different universities. The five-day program will include three days of in-class theoretical instruction and two days of fieldwork. During this time, participants will directly observe historical sites in Samsun and learn how to use cultural heritage areas as part of out-of-class educational methods.
The academic staff involved in the project come from a wide range of disciplines, including geography, history, social studies education, Turkish education, primary education, tourism guidance, and science education. With this interdisciplinary approach, the project aims to offer a rich and multifaceted educational experience.
Supported under TÜBİTAK’s 2237-A Scientific Education Activities Support Program, the project seeks to introduce participants to the scientific and educational dimensions of cultural heritage areas. It also aims to instill core values such as historical awareness, environmental consciousness, patriotism, and teamwork.
Participants must meet several criteria: they must be registered in the ARBİS system, must not have been dismissed from public service under the State of Emergency regulations, and must complete the online application form in full. During the selection process, gender balance, applications from various provinces, and whether the applicants are pursuing graduate education will also be considered.
At the end of the project, teachers and teacher candidates are expected to pass on the knowledge and experiences they have gained to their students in their respective schools. In doing so, the project aims to raise awareness about the Independence Route among a broader audience and increase the number of visitors. Additionally, a comprehensive Independence Route book will be prepared by participating academics to ensure the educational outcomes of the project are preserved as a lasting resource.
Project link:
https://cografibakis.omu.edu.tr/projelerimiz/samsun-kurtulus-yolu/
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