High School Debaters Compete for National Title at Green Crescent Debate Tournament
The National Final of the Green Crescent High School Debate Tournament, organized by the Turkish Green Crescent Society in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education, brought together students from across Türkiye in Istanbul. Designed to strengthen critical thinking, effective communication, and healthy decision-making skills, the tournament saw students support their positions with scientific evidence and well-reasoned arguments as they competed for the national title.
Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1952, the Green Crescent Debate Tournament once again united young people from across the country. Held at Sepetçiler Kasrı, the headquarters of the Turkish Green Crescent Society, the national final welcomed Deputy Governor of Istanbul Hasan Gözen, President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Dinç, Provincial Director of National Education for Istanbul Assoc. Prof. Murat Mücahit Yentür, as well as educators, students, and their families.
This year's tournament attracted 3,930 teams and 7,860 students from throughout Türkiye. Following an online application process, teams first competed in regional rounds. Those advancing from the regional finals earned the opportunity to compete for the national title in Istanbul.
Throughout the tournament, students explored a wide range of social issues while presenting well-reasoned arguments in support of their viewpoints. The debates also provided valuable opportunities to further develop their research, critical thinking, public speaking, teamwork, communication skills, and healthy decision-making skills.
“We Are Building an Addiction-Free Youth Culture”
Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Dinç, President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society, reaffirmed Green Crescent's 106-year commitment to protecting children and young people from addiction. He noted that the addiction industry continues to target young people through increasingly sophisticated strategies.
"We have entered a new era. The challenge we face today is no longer about territory—it is about minds, bodies, emotions, and spirits. The addiction industry seeks to shape the dreams, aspirations, and futures of our children and young people. The more determined they are, the more determined we must be. The bolder they become, the greater courage we must show."
Expressing his confidence in young people, Dinç continued:
"The addiction industry seeks to cultivate a culture of addiction among young people. We, on the other hand, are committed to building a youth culture free from addiction. It represents more than a way of life—it is a culture shaped by ideas, conviction, determination, and the willingness to take action. With the energy of our young people, we are confident that we can make even greater progress in addiction prevention."
Dinç also highlighted the importance of the debate tournament as a platform for young people to express their ideas and perspectives.
“Debate Helps Young People Think Critically”
Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Murat Mücahit Yentür, Provincial Director of National Education for Istanbul, said that the partnership between the Turkish Green Crescent Society and the Ministry of National Education has played an important role in supporting young people's development and has helped establish a model of good practice for preventive education in Istanbul.
Describing debate as a valuable educational tool for developing critical thinking and self-expression, Yentür said:
“The way we understand the world is shaped by the language we use and the ideas we express. That is why it is so important to move beyond rote learning and test-based education, and instead help our students develop sound reasoning skills. Strengthening reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills enables young people not only to express themselves more effectively but also to develop their own ideas.”
National Title Claimed at Green Crescent Debate Tournament
Following the final debates, members of the official protocol presented awards to the winning teams and the tournament's outstanding speakers.
Melih Baha Özmen, a student at Cağaloğlu Anatolian High School, received the Best Speaker Award. The Cağaloğlu Anatolian High School team of Melih Baha Özmen and Aras Gayhan claimed the national title at the 2026 Green Crescent High School Debate Tournament.
The national champions received a TRY 60,000 prize, while the runner-up teams each received TRY 20,000. The Best Speaker was also awarded TRY 20,000.
At the regional finals, first-place teams received TRY 15,000, runner-up teams TRY 6,000 each, and the Best Speaker in each regional final received TRY 4,000.
The event concluded with a concert following the award ceremony.
