Syriac Member of Turkish Parliament George Aslan voices concern over government decision to restrict non-Turkish cultural activities in private schools

ANKARA — Syriac Member of Turkish Parliament, George Aslan (Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, DEM), voiced concerns regarding the Turkish government’s recent decision to restrict non-Turkish cultural activities in private schools, sparking criticism and frustration among Christians in the country.

In December 2023, the Turkish Ministry of Education issued a directive to the Education Department regarding social events held in private schools, emphasizing the need to align such activities with Turkish culture.

In a concerning development, leaked WhatsApp messages from the Director of Education in Nusaybin city threatened Christians celebrating Christmas in Turkey, raising alarms about religious freedom.

More recently, amendments to the law governing private schools in Turkey have reinforced restrictions, prohibiting activities deemed unrelated to Turkish culture, values, and heritage.

Addressing this contentious issue in Parliament, MP Aslan directed questions to Turkish Minister of Education, Yusuf Tekin, seeking clarification on whether Christian holidays observed by citizens in Turkey contravene Turkish cultural norms.

Aslan pressed further, inquiring about the rationale behind restricting activities related to Christians in private schools affiliated with Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans), Armenians, and Greeks, prompting a debate over religious and cultural freedoms in Turkey.