Instruction on 'Friday prayer' from the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education: Freedom of religion and conscience

The Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education has sent a letter to district directorates of national education so that students studying in educational institutions without suitable prayer rooms (masjids) can make use of the nearest places of worship. 

In the letter sent to 39 district directorates of national education, it was requested that coordination in institutions without suitable prayer rooms be carried out through the religious education branches of the district directorates of national education. It was emphasized that students should be able to benefit from suitable nearby places of worship in cases where there is no suitable prayer room, and that the necessary conveniences should be provided during this process.

The document stated that the practice is evaluated within the scope of Article 24 of the Constitution and is based on the principle of freedom of religion and conscience, and it was expressed that school administrations should act with this sensitivity.

In the letter, it was requested that district directorates act with sensitivity regarding informing the relevant school administrations, monitoring the implementation, and ensuring coordination.