No, the hijab is generally no longer banned in Turkey.
Historically, Turkey maintained strict secular policies that included significant restrictions, such as a ban on headscarves in public institutions and government offices. These prohibitions were often upheld by court decisions, with proponents viewing them as crucial for preserving the separation of state and religion.
However, these regulations have since been largely relaxed through a series of significant reforms.
Key Milestones in Lifting the Ban
- 2013: The ban on wearing headscarves in public institutions was lifted via a government decree. This occurred even though previous court decisions had officially maintained the ban, marking a substantial shift in policy.
- 2014: The prohibition against wearing the hijab in high schools was also officially ended, allowing female students to wear headscarves in educational settings.
This progression reflects a notable change in Turkey's approach to religious attire in public life, moving away from the stricter interpretations of secularism that previously enforced such bans.
Timeline of Ban Lifts
| Context | Year Ban Lifted |
|---|---|
| Public Institutions | 2013 |
| High Schools | 2014 |
For further information on the historical context and developments, you can refer to discussions on the Headscarf controversy in Turkey.
