Erdem Ulak was a young mathematics teacher whose name reflects his virtue: virtuous, constantly researching, respectful to others, and embracing compassion and kindness as his life philosophy. In fact, all these qualities formed his entire character.

His understanding of life, integrated with his vision that we are all potentially living and potentially dead, continued throughout his life as a teacher who lived with a smile, understanding, and a sense of responsibility for the learning journey of children.

With his patient approach, his ability to find solutions to every situation in his family and surroundings, and his simple lifestyle, he was always among us. He occasionally played the guitar and, after constantly preparing educational materials for his students, he would read books in his free time. He loved sharing quotes from the books he read. In fact, he lived a full and happy life in his 29 years. His expectation from life was always to learn more and to share this knowledge, for this knowledge to be a light among children.

And on a Sunday during the summer holidays,

However, on July 6, 2025, in Gölcük, Kocaeli district of Türkiye, while doing what he always loved, sitting on a bench reading a book, his eternal journey began when a huge tree fell on him. Just 29 years old and a teacher, one of the last things he said was: “Sister, mother, father; parents talk to their children without looking them in the eyes, and I try to explain how important it is for them to communicate by looking them in the eyes during our parent-teacher meetings. I have notes left behind by his students who wrote to Teacher Erdem from time to time;

One of them reads: “Teacher, thank you so much for teaching us to distinguish right from wrong, we are very happy to have you, we love you very much.”Therefore, as an idea from his family, the “Erdem Ulak Education Foundation” was established globally, with its headquarters in Delaware, USA, to support the educational processes of children around the world according to their needs, illuminated by Erdem’s light.

Because Erdem’s journey is not yet over, and he is an honorable and pure-hearted teacher who must continue to illuminate with his light.

The story of Erdem, who embodied the importance of children receiving a good education and equal opportunities with his vision, continues!

With all our love, may you live in peace with your light, Erdem!