School principal in north Cyprus hospitalised amid hijab dispute

The principal of a high school in north Cyprus was hospitalised after fainting during a tense dispute over a female student wearing a hijab who was denied entry to the school.

The administration of Irsen Kucuk high school refused to allow the student into class after she arrived wearing a headscarf, accompanied by her family. Teachers cited regulations that deemed her attire “inappropriate” and barred her from entering.

According to newspaper Yeni Duzen, a discussion ensued between the family and school staff before the family eventually left.

Tensions reportedly escalated later when three high-ranking officials from the “education ministry” arrived at the school, attempting to overrule the administration’s decision and allow the girl to attend classes.

The officials reportedly went directly to the principal’s office, at which point the principal fainted due to the stress of the situation.

Following the incident, the president of the Turkish Cypriot secondary education teachers’ union (Ktoeos), Selma Aylem, called for the resignation of the north’s “education minister” Nazim Cavusoglu.

Speaking outside the school alongside the union’s secretary-general, Tahir Gokcebel, Aylem said that teachers from various middle and high schools stood in solidarity with the union.

Gokcebel later made a public statement, accusing the undersecretary of the “education ministry” and the director of the “secondary education department” of putting extreme pressure on the school principal, saying it was to the extent that “he could have died.”

“The children are under pressure. All 700 students are being mistreated and exploited,” Gokcebel said, claiming that despite Monday’s withdrawal of the “disciplinary regulation,” the school administration remained under undue influence.

He emphasised that secularism was fundamental and non-negotiable principles for Turkish Cypriot society, calling on external forces to “keep your hands off our schools and our children.”

Gokcebel also criticised Turkey’s embassy in Nicosia, stating, “This is Cyprus. It has its own education, culture and religion. Show respect or leave.”

The incident has further fuelled tensions, coming just days after the government scrapped a controversial “disciplinary regulation” that would have allowed students to wear religious clothing in schools. The policy was withdrawn on Monday following strong opposition and protests from teachers’ unions.