Ankara: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s former art history teacher has shared detailed memories of his student years, offering a close view of the early leadership traits he displayed at Istanbul Imam Hatip High School. As Türkiye marked Teachers’ Day on November 24, Semra Acar, now 82, spoke about her experiences at the school and the qualities she observed in Erdoğan during the early 1970s.
Acar joined Istanbul Imam Hatip High School in 1970. She recalls initial hesitation from colleagues because she did not wear a headscarf, yet she soon became a respected figure among staff and students. She described the school as a tightly knit environment where students from many provinces lived as boarders and where teachers often filled resource gaps through personal effort.
Acar taught Islamic art history, focusing on Seljuk and Ottoman works. She noted Erdoğan’s early interest in heritage preservation, a passion she said later shaped his public role. She recalled simple meals of kapuska, which she often shared with students, and said these moments shaped her understanding of contentment and gratitude.
Acar expressed pride in Erdoğan’s global engagement and stated that his achievements reflect Türkiye’s growth. She continues to follow his work and prays for his success.
