Newsroom
Teachers' organizations in Cyprus are speaking out against a recent change to the country's school policies that allows girls under 18 to wear headscarves in schools. The new amendment to the "disciplinary regulation" was approved by the Turkish Cypriot cabinet, sparking protests and raising concerns about external influence.
As reported by the Ozgur Gazette, the protestors made their dissatisfaction clear by placing black wreaths on the doors of both the Turkish Cypriot parliament and the Turkish embassy. The demonstration was a visible expression of opposition to the change.
Selma Eilem, president of the Secondary Education Teachers' Guild (KTÖÖS), spoke passionately at the protest. She condemned the move, describing it as a new attack on the will of the Turkish Cypriot community. "This is not just about education; it’s an attack on our identity and autonomy," Eilem said. "From political interference in our economy to the occupation of our land and institutions, now they are targeting our children. We will not accept this. Our community will fight to protect its will."
The amendment, which allows headscarves in schools, is seen by many as influenced by Ankara. In fact, the Turkish Cypriot Education Minister, Nazim Cavusoglu, reportedly made the decision under orders from Turkey. He chose to speak to Turkish media outlets associated with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) rather than Turkish Cypriot press.
In an interview with the Turkish newspaper Sabah, Cavusoglu defended the policy, saying that the headscarf issue was never a problem in Turkish high schools and universities. "With this decision, we have effectively lifted the ban on headscarves in secondary schools," he said. "We hope it is a positive change."
The policy shift has sparked debate, with some supporting the decision as a move toward greater freedom, while others view it as another step toward external control over local affairs. As the controversy continues, many teachers and students in the Turkish Cypriot community are making their voices heard, determined to resist any changes they believe undermine their cultural and educational values.
