Turkish teachers protest mandatory white apron dress code

Teachers in Turkey held protests outside the Ministry of Education in Ankara on September 15, 2026, marking the start of the new academic year. The demonstration was organized to voice strong opposition against a new ministry directive mandating that educators wear white aprons while on duty.

Representatives from the Eğitim-İş teachers' union condemned the policy, labeling it an insult to the dignity of the profession. They argue that the government is attempting to distract from systemic failures within the public school system. Protesters highlighted critical issues that remain unaddressed, including severe teacher shortages, overcrowding in classrooms, insufficient school sanitation, and poor safety standards. Union leaders urged officials to focus on improving the learning environment and classroom space per student rather than policing the length or color of teachers' clothing.

This protest highlights the growing tension between educational staff and the Ministry of Education. The union has made it clear that they view the administrative focus on dress codes as a superficial measure that ignores the core infrastructure and staffing problems currently plaguing Turkey's public schools.