13.01.2026 14:44
YÖK requested in a letter sent to all universities that necessary arrangements be made in case the Friday prayer times coincide with classes, exams, and practicals.
The Higher Education Council (YÖK) sent an official letter to all university rectors with the aim of aligning the academic and administrative operations in universities with the times of Friday prayers. The letter requested that necessary arrangements be made in case the course schedules, exam calendars, and practices coincide with the times of Friday prayers.
EMPHASIS ON FLEXIBILITY FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS
In the directive sent by YÖK, it was stated that flexibility should be applied in educational and work programs so that both academic and administrative staff, as well as students, can perform their worship peacefully. To prevent possible grievances, universities were requested to take necessary administrative measures in their internal operations.
BASE: PRIME MINISTERIAL CIRCULAR DATED 2016
The basis of the relevant regulation is the Prime Ministerial Circular published in the Official Gazette on January 8, 2016, which came into effect. This circular allows personnel working in public institutions to be considered on leave for Friday prayers, provided that it does not lead to a loss of working hours. In the letter sent to universities, YÖK emphasized that similar reminders had been made in previous years and that the same sensitivity should be maintained in practice and field studies.
ATTENTION TO THE PRACTICAL USE OF RELIGIOUS AND CONSCIENCE FREEDOM
In YÖK's statement, it was expressed that work, classes, exams, and practices that may coincide with the times of Friday prayers should be re-evaluated with an approach that considers the practical use of religious and conscience freedom and the continuity of educational activities. The statement noted that these activities should be planned in a way that does not disrupt worship and that necessary administrative measures should be taken.