Northern Cyprus Sets New Guidelines on Wearing the Hijab in Schools

Northern Cyprus has released an updated version of its Disciplinary Regulation, which outlines new rules for school dress codes, including the wearing of the hijab. Under the new framework, decisions regarding students’ appearance will be made by individual school administrations.

The regulation is guided by the following core principles:

• Dress codes must not interfere with students' equal access to education.

• Students' personal beliefs must be respected, allowing them to choose attire that reflects their values.

• No discrimination will be tolerated based on clothing choices.

In secondary schools, students are expected to wear the official school uniform designated by the administration. However, parents may request permission from the Ministry of National Education for their child to wear alternative clothing based on religious or ideological grounds. If the Ministry determines that the decision is made voluntarily and with full understanding, it may approve the request—provided that the alternative clothing does not completely obscure the school uniform.

High school students are also required to wear the approved school uniform, but they will be allowed to incorporate additional items of clothing in line with their beliefs, as long as these items do not entirely cover the uniform.

The specific details regarding acceptable clothing—such as color, style, size, and patterns—will be outlined in official circulars issued by the Ministry of Education. Separate guidelines will be developed for students of the Hala Sultan Theological College, based on the recommendations of the institution's administration.

The regulation takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette, and all students and school administrations are required to comply from that date onward.

An earlier version of the regulation, which explicitly allowed the hijab in schools, was withdrawn by TRNC authorities after it sparked public debate. The issue triggered widespread discussion across society, with secular education advocates staging demonstrations against the inclusion of religious symbols in schools. The President of the TRNC also weighed in on the matter.