Türkiye: Ramadan activities circular for schools sparks secularism debate, Erdogan pushes back
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابA Turkish Education Ministry circular urging Ramadan-themed activities in public schools, from preschool through high school, has triggered a domestic debate over secularism. Officials say participation is voluntary and not tied to grading or student evaluation.
Reports say the Feb. 12 directive was sent to education authorities across Türkiye’s provinces with age-specific implementation guides, including discussion programs and voluntary iftar events aimed at strengthening school-family ties.
Education Minister Yusuf Tekin said he would pursue legal action over a manifesto defending secularism that criticized the initiative, insisting the activities are optional, carry no grades, and include no instructions to photograph or share students’ images.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended the circular in remarks to his party’s lawmakers, calling it lawful and consistent with Türkiye’s social fabric, while rejecting claims that it undermines the country’s secular principles.
