Several thousand Turkish Cypriots gathered in Nicosia on May 2, 2025, to protest against what they view as Turkey’s attempts to undermine their secular identity through changes in the education system. The demonstration was sparked by a recent decision to lift a ban on headscarves in high schools, which many see as a step towards the Islamization of their society.
Key Takeaways
- Thousands protested in Nicosia against Turkey’s influence on Turkish Cypriot education.
- The lifting of the headscarf ban in schools has ignited fears of political Islam.
- Turkish President Erdoğan warned protesters against sowing discord.
- The protests reflect broader concerns about the erosion of secularism in Turkish Cypriot society.
Background of the Protests
The protests were organized by leftist trade unions and were marked by banners proclaiming "Cyprus will stay secular" and "It won’t pass." The demonstrators expressed their opposition to the Turkish Cypriot authorities’ recent decision to allow headscarves in high schools, which they believe is part of a broader agenda to impose political Islam on a community that has historically prided itself on its secular roots.
Elma Eylem, president of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary Education Teachers’ Union (KTOEÖS), emphasized that this change is not merely about personal freedom but a deliberate effort to reshape Turkish Cypriot society in line with the ruling AKP party’s ideology. She stated, "This issue is a step taken by the AKP in its efforts to deepen the political Islam domination over the Turkish Cypriot Community."
Erdoğan’s Response
In response to the protests, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited northern Cyprus, where he inaugurated new government buildings. During his visit, he addressed the protesters, warning them not to sow seeds of hatred and asserting that those who oppose the changes will not succeed. Erdoğan’s remarks highlighted the tension between the Turkish government and the Turkish Cypriot community, which is increasingly wary of Ankara’s influence.
The Historical Context
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion in response to a coup aimed at uniting the island with Greece. The northern part of Cyprus, where the protests took place, is recognized only by Turkey and is home to over 35,000 Turkish troops. The Turkish Cypriot community has long enjoyed a secular lifestyle, influenced by both Kemalism and British colonial rule, making the recent changes particularly contentious.
Ongoing Struggles for Secularism
The protests are part of a larger struggle for the preservation of secularism in Turkish Cypriot society. Many protesters feel that they are becoming a minority in their own land due to the influx of settlers from mainland Turkey and the increasing influence of political Islam. Eylem and other union leaders have initiated a legal challenge against the headscarf policy, signaling a commitment to resist what they see as an encroachment on their identity.
As the protests continue, Turkish Cypriots are determined to protect their secular roots and resist external pressures to reshape their society. The recent demonstrations coincide with renewed efforts by the United Nations to explore ways to resume stalled peace talks on the island, highlighting the complex political landscape in Cyprus today.
Sources
- Turkish Cypriots protest over what they say is Turkey’s introduction of Islam into education system |
Euronews, Euronews.com. - Erdoğan tells protesters against Islamification in northern Cyprus they will fail | Cyprus, The Guardian.
- Turkish Cypriots protest over what they say is Turkey’s introduction of Islam into education system, AP News.
- Turkish Cypriots Rally Against Turkey’s Alleged Islamization Of Education System, Greek City Times.
