New Dress Code Regulations for Schools in Northern Cyprus: Headscarf Rules Updated

Northern Cyprus has updated its school dress code regulations, introducing a new rule regarding headscarves for the first time. Students are now allowed to wear only simple bonnets and bandanas.

The TRNC Council of Ministers has approved the "Regulations on Rules and Discipline," which must be followed in secondary schools and educational institutions, both on and off-campus.

With the adoption of these new disciplinary regulations, the Ministry of National Education will now exclusively determine dress codes and school attire for students. School administrations no longer have authority over this matter.

Under the new rules, school administrations are not allowed to make decisions about headscarves or other aspects of students' clothing. The article regarding headscarves, which was not included in the previous law, has been added for the first time in this amendment.

Now, students who wish to cover their heads for religious reasons can only wear a bandana over a bonnet. Head coverings must be solid-colored, and they are prohibited from featuring any patterns, logos, writing, or symbols.

This new regulation, introduced specifically to address practices at the Hala Sultan Theological College, is now in effect at all secondary and higher education institutions, with no exceptions for schools.