School Attacks and Security Debates Across Turkey in the Last Three Years
In recent years, the rising number of armed and knife attacks in and around schools has placed security vulnerabilities in educational institutions and the measures that need to be taken at the center of the national agenda.
While consecutive severe incidents of violence in educational institutions across Turkey over the last three years have brought the issue of school safety up for debate, experts draw attention to the lack of official statistics.
The Recent Attack in Manisa
According to initial official information, 8 people were injured in an armed attack that occurred near a high school in the Turgutlu district of Manisa.
While it was announced that 2 of the injured are in critical condition, the suspect was caught and detained shortly afterwards.
Incidents in 2024
Within the scope of events that took place in 2024, the principal of a private high school in Eyüpsultan, Istanbul, was targeted in an armed attack on May 7, 2024.
Principal İbrahim Oktugan, who was shot by a student expelled from the school, lost his life.
Prominent Events in 2025
Throughout 2025, teachers and administrators faced various armed attack incidents in which they were targeted.
In attacks that occurred in Konya and Mersin, guidance counselor Muhammed Öz lost his life, while school principal Ender Kara was injured.
The Severe Picture in 2026
Starting from the first months of 2026, major tragedies occurred in schools in Istanbul, Şanlıurfa, and Kahramanmaraş.
Teachers and students lost their lives and numerous people were injured in knife and armed attacks in various provinces.
Parliamentary Research Commission
Following the incidents, the General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey decided to establish a Research Commission.
The commission examined issues of children's risks in digital environments and school safety, and moved on to the reporting stage.
Official Statements and Measures
The Ministry of Justice announced that numerous users linked to social media posts targeting 54 schools were detained.
Security measures around schools were increased in various provinces, including Sivas.