President Tatar: Headscarf Is a Personal Choice—No One Should Be Marginalized

Speaking on the “Gökhan Altıner ile Sabah Postası” program on Kıbrıs Postası TV, Tatar underscored that freedom of belief and lifestyle are fundamental rights in the Turkish Cypriot community. “In this country, there are people with religious beliefs and those without; some go to the mosque, others don’t. These are personal choices,” he said, emphasizing his opposition to any form of marginalization.

Criticism of Headscarf-Related Exclusion in Schools

Tatar specifically criticized teacher unions over claims that a student had been denied access to school due to wearing a headscarf. He questioned the legality and ethics of such an action, stating:
“Is it lawful to refuse a student entry to school over a headscarf? No one seems to be addressing that. The student must not be marginalized.”

Call for Respectful Dialogue and Inclusive Policies

The president expressed confidence in the government’s ability to resolve the issue, stating his belief that Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu would take appropriate steps. “I am sure the government will do what’s necessary,” he said.

Tatar also referred to international practices, noting that countries like Sweden and Switzerland have their own legal frameworks on the headscarf issue. His comments suggested that while international precedents may vary, the core principle in the TRNC should be non-discrimination.

Response to Union Rhetoric on Turkey

In a separate but related critique, Tatar condemned the rhetoric used by certain teacher unions against Turkey and its representatives. Referring to slogans like “Go home” directed at Turkey’s ambassador to Nicosia and calls for Ankara to “take its hands off,” Tatar remarked that these remarks were not receiving enough public scrutiny. “These expressions are unacceptable and must be questioned as well,” he said.

A Plea for Unity and Respect

President Tatar concluded by reiterating his message of unity and mutual respect within the community:
“Everyone in the Turkish Cypriot community has equal rights, without discrimination. Headscarves, like any other personal choice, should not be grounds for exclusion or tension.”

The remarks come amid growing public debate about freedom of expression, secularism, and the role of religion in public education, highlighting broader tensions within the education system and society at large.