Diyanet's April 23 decision: Safi Arpaguş follows in Ali Erbaş's footsteps

While public institutions and schools observe an official holiday on April 23, National Sovereignty and Children's Day, classes will continue in boarding Quran courses under the Presidency of Religious Affairs. Due to this decision by the institution, both the students and the staff will be unable to take a holiday on the national day.

It is known that in recent years, education in Quran courses was similarly not paused during other national holidays such as August 30 Victory Day and October 29 Republic Day. It has been learned that this practice was implemented during the term of former president Ali Erbaş and continues to this day. During the terms of previous presidents Ali Bardakoğlu and Mehmet Görmez, official holidays designated by the Ministry of National Education were observed.

As reported by Sözcü, some Diyanet sources expressed concern over the impact of the decision on young people, stating, “Children in memorization courses are growing up without learning the values of the Republic. The courses they attend are a gain of the Republic. The mistakes being made are harming the young generation and their minds.” Not only the students but also the staff, who are unable to take leave on official holidays, are uncomfortable with this practice.