Official Decision to Open Prayer Rooms in Istanbul Schools

The Istanbul Governor’s Office has officially decided to open prayer rooms in schools and educational institutions to meet students’ religious needs.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül signed and sent an official directive to all 39 district governorates and the relevant institutions, ordering schools to set aside dedicated prayer rooms for students.

According to the directive, all newly built schools must include designated prayer spaces that are suitable for Friday prayers. Existing schools have also been instructed to convert any appropriate available areas into Friday prayer rooms.

Governor Gül said the move is intended to allow students to perform their religious duties without having to leave school grounds, helping ensure their safety while making better use of school time.

He also stressed the importance of allowing both students and education staff to practice their faith as part of their fundamental rights and freedoms, adding that providing suitable places of worship in schools is a complementary part of educational services.

The Governor’s Office said the decision is based on regulations issued by Turkey’s Ministry of National Education regarding the opening, closing, and naming of educational institutions, as well as the regulations governing preschool and primary education institutions.