Story perspectives

Turkey's Ramadan Directive Sparks Secularism Controversy in Schools

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

A new directive in Turkey encourages Ramadan-themed activities in schools, sparking secularism debates.
Education Minister Yusuf Tekin says participation is voluntary and rejects charges of religious imposition.
The directive includes mosque visits for young children and communal iftar meals.
Opponents warn the policy could marginalize non-Sunni students and generate peer pressure.
A joint declaration by 168 academics and journalists condemns the initiative as violating state neutrality.

1 of 1

Story summary

A new directive in Turkey encourages Ramadan-themed activities in schools, sparking secularism debates.
Education Minister Yusuf Tekin says participation is voluntary and rejects charges of religious imposition.
The directive includes mosque visits for young children and communal iftar meals.
Opponents warn the policy could marginalize non-Sunni students and generate peer pressure.
A joint declaration by 168 academics and journalists condemns the initiative as violating state neutrality.