Turkish foundation takes over 108 Gülen-linked schools abroad

ANKARA

A Turkish education foundation has so far taken control over 108 schools linked to the Gülen network abroad. 

According to official figures compiled by state-run Anadolu Agency, a total of 9,633 students are currently studying in the schools taken over by the Maarif Foundation.

Turkey established the Maarif Foundation (TMF) in 2016 to take over the administration of overseas schools linked to the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), widely believed to have orchestrated the failed coup attempt of 2016. The foundation also establishes schools and education centers abroad.

The foundation, as part of its strategic plan, continues its expanding efforts, the agency said. It has made contact with officials from 83 countries so far and appointed directors in 39 countries.

It recently opened 32 new schools in 11 countries — including Afghanistan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Macedonia, Sierra Leone and the U.S. — where 1,127 students have started studying.

The foundation had also taken over 76 FETÖ-linked schools — where 8,506 students are studying — in Guinea, Somalia, Sudan, Republic of Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Tunisia, Senegal and Chad.

Some protocols were also signed to take over new schools linked to FETÖ in 25 countries.

The number of students who are studying within the foundation across the world is expected to reach 20,000 after the new schools in Afghanistan are taken over by Maarif foundation in the near future.