TRNC President Calls for Compromise on Hijab Issue in Schools

Ersin Tatar, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), addressed the ongoing issue regarding a schoolgirl wearing a hijab. The President called for compromise and common sense, assuring the public that the state would take all necessary measures to resolve the situation. He also emphasized that any offensive or radical statements should be investigated by both the police and the Attorney General’s office.

"Dear Turkish Cypriots, it saddens me to see that the recent discussions surrounding the request of a young girl to attend school while wearing a hijab have created deep divisions within our society. Such debates, fueled by extreme rhetoric, are harmful, encourage discrimination, and threaten the social peace we have worked so hard to maintain," President Tatar stated.

The incident, which has caused significant public outcry, took place on Friday, March 28, at Irsen Kucuk High School in Nicosia. The family of one student brought their daughter to school wearing a hijab, but she was not allowed to attend her classes due to the school’s internal regulations. This decision sparked an impromptu protest, and the family subsequently left the school.

After the conflict, officials from the Ministry of Education intervened in an attempt to resolve the situation. However, during a meeting with the school administration, the principal fainted and had to be hospitalized.

In the aftermath, Selma Aylem, the head of the teachers’ union, issued a strong statement calling for the immediate resignation of Nazım Çavuşoğlu, the Minister of Education. Many teachers who support secular education principles backed her call.

It is also worth noting that the TRNC authorities had previously withdrawn a newly introduced disciplinary code that allowed the wearing of hijabs in schools. This decision had sparked a significant amount of public debate.

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel convened an emergency meeting with representatives from various educational organizations, political parties, and the Bar Association. However, the meeting failed to reach a compromise on the matter.

President Tatar reassured the public that the government is working toward a consensus to prevent incidents like the one in question from occurring again. The Attorney General’s office and the police will be investigating the matter further.

"As the guarantor of justice and the rule of law, I cannot allow these divisions to persist. I will be meeting with the Chief of Police and the Chief Prosecutor to ensure that actions are taken in accordance with the law," President Tatar concluded.