Ken’ân Rifâî returned to Istanbul in 1904 and held various positions in the Ministry of Education. In October 1908, he was appointed as the principal of Dârüşşafaka High School and a French teacher.
In February 1908, he was appointed as a member of the Board of Inspection and Examination of the Ministry of Education, after which he worked in the inspection and curriculum preparation committees of the ministry rather than as a school administrator.
In the same year, Constitutional Monarchy II was proclaimed and Abdülhamid II was dethroned. This new period of political instability was a chaotic and turbulent time for Istanbul.
In 1911, he left his position as principal of Dârüşşafaka High School. After 1911, he again held various positions within the ministry and retired in 1921.
During his retirement period, he continued to teach Turkish at Fener Greek High School and Yuvakimyon Girls’ High School until his illness before his death. Ken’ân Rifâî’s Turkish teaching at Fener Greek High School for Boys reveals the depth of his educational philosophy. He carried his lessons beyond an ordinary curriculum and offered his students guidance that transcended knowledge.
In 1930, Ken’ân Rifâî and his close circle founded a school called “Hayriye High School” to perpetuate the memory of Mrs. Hayriye, Rifâî’s daughter who died at a very young age. This school in the Fatih neighborhood of Istanbul served for about 15 years. Ken’ân Rifâî, who was the chairman of the School Administration Commission, also served as the school’s French teacher.
The deep impression Ken’ân Rifâî left on his students during his years as a teacher was not limited to academic achievements. At the root of the deep respect and love his students have for him lies the sincere and selfless attitude he displayed during his years as an educator.
His compassionate guidance and spiritual depth were received with great love and admiration by his disciples.
From the letters sent by his students after graduation, it is clear that they saw Ken’ân Rifâî not only as a teacher, but also as a spiritual father who nurtured their hearts.
