TRNC Authorities Revoke Hijab Policy in Schools

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has repealed a recently introduced disciplinary regulation that permitted the wearing of hijabs in schools. The decision comes after widespread public debate and controversy over the issue.

TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel announced the repeal during a parliamentary session yesterday. He emphasized that the Council of Ministers does not intend to divide society based on religious beliefs, stressing that such matters should not be confused with personal freedoms, as they could create social tensions—especially when it comes to children.

• "We are withdrawing the regulation and will hold further consultations to reach a necessary consensus," Üstel stated.

Once these consultations are completed, the proposal will be reconsidered.

Earlier, in mid-March, Northern Cyprus made changes to its school dress code regulations for the first time, allowing students to wear only simple caps and bandanas as head coverings.

The Council of Ministers had previously approved the Regulation on Rules and Discipline, which applies to secondary schools and other educational institutions, both within and outside their premises.

A provision allowing religious head coverings—absent from the previous law—was introduced as an amendment for the first time.