NEDA Reporters, North Cyprus
The recent protests in the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) have reignited a critical conversation about the role of secular education and the imposition of the Turkish regime on the free will of Turkish Cypriots. Eighteen thousand Turkish Cypriots took to the streets on April 8, voicing their opposition to the legalization of religious symbols, such as hijabs, in public middle and high schools. This movement underscores the importance of maintaining a clear separation between religion and education. The main slogan was “We Are Secular, and Secular We Will Stay – Ankara, Take Your Hand Off Our Collar”.
The incident that prompted the regulatory change took place about a month ago. A 13-year-old girl went to school wearing a veil—the first time such an incident had occurred. While the school staff was deciding how to address the situation, she began arriving in a car from the Turkish Embassy, accompanied by different men each day who claimed to be her father. Simultaneously, the Council of Ministers rushed to amend the Secondary Education Regulation, allowing “girls who wish to cover their heads due to religious beliefs” and permitting the hijab in high schools.
The protests against this regulation have grown significantly over the past month. Initially, strikes were organized in the two schools directly affected by the change. However, the movement quickly gained momentum as teachers received support from other sectors and broader society, uniting to defend secular education and the secular character of the Turkish Cypriot community. The regulation was temporarily retracted but was reintroduced under pressure from Turkey.
Since the 2020 presidential election—and the open involvement of AKP (Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party) and MHP (the far-right Nationalist Movement Party) in Ersin Tatar’s victory—there have been numerous incidents of policy impositions from Turkey. Erdoğan’s regime, over its 25-year rule, has systematically attacked secularism: lifting the ban on veils in schools and universities, converting public schools into religious schools, removing the teaching of evolution theory, withdrawing from the Istanbul Convention, and introducing the so-called “Family Law” that effectively legalizes marital rape. Erdoğan has openly stated his aim to “raise a new conservative generation.”
Secular education in northern Cyprus has been under attack for years. In 2009, Quran lessons were introduced in schools, and Sunni Muslim instruction became compulsory for all grade levels. Two years ago, the Head of Religious Affairs, while addressing high school girls, advocated for the total subordination of women to their husbands.
Over the past five years, life for Turkish Cypriots has changed dramatically. Increased political interference and a declining standard of living—driven by the collapse of the Turkish lira—have fueled anger toward the Turkish regime. Meanwhile, the protest movement in Turkey is resonating in Cyprus, with demonstrators expressing solidarity.
Sixty organizations—including trade unions, political parties, and associations—have planned and organized a month-long program of action for the remainder of April.
The movement issued a deadline to the government for April 28: withdraw the legislation, or face escalated measures, including a general strike.
From April 14 to 28, daily bonfires will burn in front of the parliament from 6 PM to 9 PM, accompanied by gatherings and protests. Simultaneously, the movement is:
-Collecting signatures demanding the legislation’s withdrawal,
-Organizing solidarity visits to the two affected schools to support teachers,
-Raising funds for the strike effort, and
-Preparing a constitutional court challenge against the law.
Parents, neighbors, and activists are coordinating via apps and social media to maximize participation—mobilizing in unprecedented ways.
The government claims the regulation “safeguards religious rights.” Yet when questioned about extending the same right to other religions’ symbols, officials refused. This exposes the Turkish regime’s true aim: not freedom of religion, but the legalization of political Islam’s agenda.
One day after the 18,000-strong protest, the far-right YDP (the so-called “settler party”) called a counter-protest. Few attended—not even enough to staff their picket lines.
Society is deeply polarized. Protesters face personal attacks on social media and in pro-government outlets. Even President Tatar’s wife and the daughter of the conservative Democratic Party former leader Denktaş—who oppose the regulation—have become targets.
The ruling elite in northern Cyprus has Kemalist roots, not Islamist ones. But under overwhelming pressure from Ankara, its resistance crumbles.
As NEDA (New Internationalist Left- Νέα Διεθνιστική Αριστερά- Yeni Enternasyonalist Sol), we stand with Turkish Cypriots fighting for secular education and a secular state. Despite the government’s submission to Turkey’s Islamist regime, the people push back, echoing Turkey’s protest slogan:
“Kurtuluş yok tek başına, ya hep beraber ya hiçbirimiz!”
“There is no salvation alone—either all together, or none of us!”
—Chanted by thousands in Turkey on March 19 after Ekrem İmamoğlu’s detention.
The movement’s demands go beyond repealing the law:
-The government must resign—it no longer represents the people.
-Turkish Cypriots will govern their own country.
We join these protests, supporting the struggle for a secular Cyprus—on both sides of the divide.
