Tense Protests Erupt as Cyprus Northern Education Minister Faces Calls to Resign Over ‘Non-Secular’ Textbooks
In a heated demonstration outside the northern Cyprus education ministry building on Thursday, trade unions voiced their opposition to controversial non-secular textbooks. Education Minister Nazim Cavusoglu faced the ire of protestors who called for his resignation amidst accusations of discriminatory content in the new curriculum. Activist Melek Arabacioglu, head of the movement for the fight for secular education and mukhtar of the Yenikent neighbourhood in Kioneli, emphasized that children should not be subjected to discrimination based on factors such as language, religion, race, gender, or economic status.
Arabacioglu also criticized what she believed were subliminal messages conveyed by a teacher wearing a hijab and the inclusion of family values from India and Palestine, deeming them incompatible with the principle of secularism. She delivered a passionate speech, rallying the protestors: We have nothing to lose except our children! We have the strength in numbers, anger, and power to not only challenge this ministry but to take action against any harm that may be done to our children… We are the people, never forget that!
Speaking at the protest, Burak Mavis, general secretary of the Cyprus Turkish teachers’ union (KTOS), expressed his displeasure with the education ministry, accusing them of changing textbooks in line with the Turkish education board without considering scientific or ethical principles. Mavis warned that teachers know how to respond if the controversial books are not withdrawn.
Selma Eylem, chairwoman of the Cyprus Turkish secondary education teachers’ union (KTOEOS), condemned Education Minister Nazim Cavusoglu as hostile towards teachers and excessively subservient to Turkey. She expressed concerns over the influence of the Republic of Turkey’s education system on Cyprus, calling for its prevention. Eylem stated, We won’t let you do this here.
When Minister Cavusoglu finally emerged from the ministry building, he was met with chants condemning his alleged betrayal of secularism. In response, he declared, No one can question my Kemalism and my commitment to secularism. While acknowledging the criticism, he criticized the teachers’ approach to the issue and indicated that the ministry would confront those who fail to tolerate opposing views. He assured the protestors that the ministry would continue to provide a secular education without discrimination or marginalization.
Later in the day, Cavusoglu scheduled meetings with parents’ representatives and planned to address the media to further discuss the issue at hand. The protests and the growing opposition to the so-called non-secular textbooks highlighted the deep-rooted concerns among trade unions and activists regarding the secular education system in northern Cyprus.
