The Education Ministry has ordered teachers to wear white smocks and rolled out enhanced security measures across all 81 provinces in a directive sent ahead of the academic year starting Sept. 14.
Following armed attacks in the southern provinces of Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa, schools will enforce controlled access points, separating vehicle and pedestrian traffic while illuminating blind spots. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi previously announced the nationwide hiring of 30,000 security watchmen.
The circular signed by Education Minister Yusuf Tekin stated the dress code aligns with the dignity of public service. “Provincial directorates will monitor the application, and behavior violating the legislation will not be permitted,” the ministry said. The document cited the Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration as a core priority.
The in-class mobile phone ban will continue, while teachers must assign homework exclusively through official digital platforms. To shield parents from rising costs, schools cannot require expensive imported stationery or third-party textbooks, favoring domestic products instead. Extracurricular exams outside the ministry’s framework are also strictly banned.
Materials used in graduation ceremonies and commemorations, including music and banners, now require approval from the Work Review and Selection Board. Social media posts must adhere to pedagogical ethics, and graduation events cannot impose extra costs on parents.
The Turkish education system serves over 19 million students across primary and secondary levels. Recent regulatory updates reflect a growing governmental focus on campus security and standardizing educational costs for families.
