In Turkey, children younger than 12 are not allowed to attend those courses, a topic of heated debate in the country. According to most parents, 12 years is too old for children to learn to read the holy Quran. Courses offered at mosques are also an opportunity for children to socialize during the hot summer months.MAZLUM-DER Kayseri branch deputy president Mustafa Delice complained that children who are below the age of 12 and want to learn to read the Quran are prevented from doing so by inspectors in mosques.
Saying that obstacles to a religious education still stand in Turkey, Delice said: “At a time when Turkey is trying to improve its record of human rights with a democratization initiative, unfortunately there are still obstacles to a religious education, and covered women are not allowed to have access to university education. According to current law, the age limit continues for Quran courses.”
Delice asked the government to expand the scope of its democratization initiative to get rid of the obstacles to a religious education and headscarves at universities. The signatures will be sent to Parliament by the head office of MAZLUM-DER.
