Mustafa Necati Bey (1894 ­ 1929)
Born in İzmir in 1894, after studying law in Istanbul he served as a teacher and then the school president at an educational school. When the Greek forces invaded İzmir on May 15 1919, he joined the militia forces in Balikesir. He commanded the Kuvai Military troops during a battle against the Anzavur attacks. During this time, he wrote encouraging articles about the Turkish defense for a local newspaper. When the first parliament was established on April 23rd 1920, he was appointed as the senator of Saruhan. He served as the president of the independence court and was appointed as the senator of İzmir in the second parliament. He held office as the minister of residential affairs and then as the minister of justice (1924). From 1925 until his death in 1929, he served as the Minister of Education where he contributed greatly to the modern educational structure of Turkey. He passed the law for elementary and middle school education and created the idea that teaching is a true profession and an official job. To heighten the teachers’ level of world knowledge, many educators were sent to Europe for continued education. He passed away at the early age of 36 in Ankara. A large street named after Necati Bey lies in the Kızılay region, where it is aptly the center for educational supplies and many camera shops.

Hande Kaya (IR/III)