Turkey's Ramadan directive reignites secularism debate

DW News · Feb 27, 2026 · Collected from RSS

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"Is religion class actually being taught?" "Is another subject being taught instead of religion class?" "Are there insults against the president in classes?" These questions were reportedly asked by inspectors to students at a school in Turkey’s Izmir province. According to allegations raised in the country's parliament, the students ranged from fourth grade to the final year of high school. Education Minister Yusuf Tekin later argued in an interview on Turkish television that the action was a routine inspection following a complaint about the school. The incident has reignited a longstanding debate: In Turkey, education policy has become a battleground over secularism, religion and the identity of the state. The latest flashpoint is a directive issued by the Ministry of National Education on February 12, which outlines Ramadan-themed activities for schools nationwide.The new directive encourages Ramadan-themed events and mosque visits in Turkish schoolsImage: AGF-Lanzelotto/Bildagentur-online/picture alliance Reform and religious emphasis Since coming to power in 2002, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has sought to reshape educationaround what it describes as "national identity" and "spiritual values." Critics, including opposition parties, secular groups, and teachers' union, say the reforms have expanded the role of religion in public education. A key turning point came in 2012 with the so-called "4+4+4" reform, which restructured compulsory education and reopened imam hatip middle schools that had been closed in 1997 during a military intervention against an Islamist-led government. These schools combine the national curriculum with Islamic studies, originally to train future imams, but also prepare students for university and other careers. According to ministry statistics, the number of imam hatip middle schools increased from 1,099 in 2012-13 to 3,396 in 2024-25. During the same period, elective religion courses expanded, and "values education" gained prominence. In 2017, evolution was removed from the high school curriculum and replaced with a creation-based narrative, drawing international attention. The 2024 Turkey Century Maarif Model declares that education will be guided by a "virtue-value-action" framework. Supporters describe it as a comprehensive reform aligned with national priorities. Critics see it as part of a broader effort to infuse public education with religion-linked content and shape society according to specific values.The Ramadan directive The new directive has heightened tensions. It recommends Ramadan-themed activities in primary schools, "Let’s Talk at Iftar" events in middle and high schools, and shared iftar meals with families. A publicly released guide also suggests that children ages 4-6 visit mosques accompanied by teachers — a proposal that has sparked concern over developmental and pedagogical boundaries.Education Minister Tekin dismissed claims the activities constitute religious imposition and said insulting criticism would be taken to courtImage: tcmeb The Ministry of National Education says participation is voluntary and frames the initiative as part of students’ moral and cultural development. Critics question whether "voluntary" participation can be guaranteed in practice. Unions and opposition push back Kadem Ozbay, chair of the Egitim-Is union, said the directive violates constitutional principles and announced plans to challenge it in court. He cited Article 24 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and conscience, and Article 42, which requires education to follow contemporary scientific principles. "School is school. How education should be conducted is clearly defined both in the Constitution and in scientific and pedagogical principles," Ozbay said, warning that presenting the majority’s religious practice as a "unifying value" risks marginalizing others. Simge Yardim, an executive board member of Egitim Sen (Education and Science Workers' Union), said the directive should be seen in the context of broader policy changes. She argued that education has increasingly been used as a tool of social transformation and warned that religious activities in preschool settings may pose developmental risks. Even if formally voluntary, she added, such activities could lead to administrative or peer pressure. Parents' associations have also voiced concern. The Student Parent Association (Veli-Der) described the directive as "an attempt to transform public schools into an arena for the practice of a particular faith." The Canakkale branch of the Association of All Student Parents for Solidarity (OV-DER) said the move violates constitutional principles of secularism and equality. The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) brought the issue to Parliament, arguing that the directive contradicts the state’s duty of neutrality. Lawmakers also raised concerns about religiously framed activities targeting preschool children. DEM Party lawmaker Celal Firat called for the directive to be withdrawn, citing concerns among Alevi citizens. A joint declaration titled "Defending Secularism Together" was signed by 168 writers, academics, and journalists.President Erdogan's AKP party seeks to reshape education around what it describes as "national identity" and "spiritual values"Image: Serhat Cagdas/Anadolu Agency/IMAGO Government response Education Minister Yusuf Tekin rejected the criticism. Speaking on the pro-government broadcaster A Haber, he dismissed claims that the activities constitute religious imposition and said insulting criticism would be taken to court. Supporters frame the directive as cultural transmission rather than religious enforcement. Opponents argue that it blurs the line between state and religion in public education. Although the majority of Turkey’s population is Sunni Muslim, the country is also home to Alevis, other religious minorities, and nonbelievers. Critics say institutionalizing a single religious practice in schools risks creating indirect pressure, particularly in settings such as boarding schools during Ramadan fasting. The debate also extends beyond Turkey’s borders. Schools operating in more than 50 countries under the Turkey Maarif Foundation are widely seen as reflecting Ankara’s education policy. While there is no indication that the Ramadan directive applies abroad, observers are watching whether domestic policy shifts could influence these institutions’ future direction. This article was originally published in Turkish.