Turkish Cypriots protest over what they say is Turkey's introduction of Islam into education system
Source: Associated Press
Turkish Cypriots protest over what they say is Turkey’s introduction of Islam into education system
By MENELAOS HADJICOSTIS
Updated 3:36 PM EDT, May 2, 2025
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Several thousand Turkish Cypriots took to the streets of the northern half of ethnically divided Cyprus’ capital Nicosia on Friday to protest what they say is Turkey’s attempt to erode their secular roots and to strengthen the hold of political Islam over their society.
Rain showers cleared long enough for marchers to walk along a main thoroughfare hoisting trade union banners and holding placards reading “It won’t pass” and “Cyprus will stay secular” before gathering for a concert.
The protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations that leftist trade unions mounted to express their opposition to what they see as Ankara’s bid to mold staunchly secular Turkish Cypriots into a more politically pliable community through the introduction of Islam into the education system.
The protest came a day before Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to breakaway northern Cyprus where he will inaugurate a complex of government buildings. Erdogan reportedly said that he would publicly rebuke protesters during his visit.
-snip-
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/cyprus-turkish-cypriots-turkey-islam-secular-ethnic-division-c9422add38906625a2947fdd18ff7701
= new reply since forum marked as read
