12.04.2025 11:21
The freedom for students to wear headscarves in high schools in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has ignited discussions about secularism and led to protests in various regions. Protests organized under the slogans "Cyprus is secular, it will remain secular" saw participation and support from the children of TRNC leaders Dr. Fazıl Küçük and Rauf Denktaş, Mehmet Küçük and Serdar Denktaş.
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The Council of Ministers of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has published and enacted changes in the disciplinary regulation regarding clothing in secondary education, allowing students to wear headscarves in high schools.
After yesterday's meeting of the TRNC Council of Ministers, changes were made to the regulation determining clothing in high schools and middle schools. The regulation change, which was published in the Official Gazette and came into effect, included the provision: "(Regulation) Respects the beliefs of students in educational institutions at the high school level and allows them to implement the preferences required by these beliefs. Students are free to wear certain clothing required by their beliefs along with the school uniform determined by the school administration. However, this clothing cannot cover the school uniform."
The regulation has allowed high school students to cover their heads in accordance with their beliefs.
PROTESTS WERE HELD, CHILDREN OF LEADERS ALSO SHOWED SUPPORT
Following the decision on headscarf freedom, discussions on secularism erupted in the TRNC. Protests were held in various regions, especially in the capital Nicosia, after the decision. Slogans such as 'Cyprus is secular, it will remain secular' were chanted during the protests attended by unions, civil society organizations, and political parties. The children of TRNC leaders Dr. Fazıl Küçük and Rauf Denktaş, Mehmet Küçük and Serdar Denktaş, also participated in the demonstrations to show their support.
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