Canada vs Turkey
Side-by-side comparison of how these places approach childhood.
Canada
In Canada, children play outside at recess in -25°C — 'there's no bad weather, only bad clothing.'
Most Canadian provinces mandate outdoor recess regardless of temperature. Schools set a cold-weather threshold (often -25°C or -30°C with wind chill) — but it has to be extreme before children stay inside.
Turkey
Turkish children kiss elders' hands and touch them to their foreheads as greeting.
This ritual of el öpmek reflects deep intergenerational respect embedded in daily Turkish family life.
Canada
Education is provincially controlled — there is no federal curriculum. School starts at age 5–6. French immersion programs are widely available. Emphasis on inclusivity and multicultural education.
Turkey
Turkey's education system is centrally managed by the Ministry of National Education. Compulsory education spans 12 years in a 4+4+4 structure. Religious education (imam hatip schools) has expanded significantly since 2012.
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