Diyanet eyes adding Quran courses to mandatory pre-school education

Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) is contemplating making Quran courses part of mandatory pre-school education for kids between four and six years old, Deutsche Welle reported on Sep. 16.

Thursday September 16 2021 04:15 pm

Duvar English

Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) is eyeing regulations that would mandate Quran courses for children aged four to six, Deutsche Welle reported on Sep. 16.

Reflected in a fiscal report by the Diyanet, the possible mandate for children under six was listed among "activities planned for educational activities."

"A meeting will be held with academics to establish Quran courses as part of mandatory pre-school education," said the budget item.

The actualization of the Diyanet's plan would mean that Quran courses would be the first step in national mandatory education.

The Diyanet also established a commission to create educational materials, although the curriculum isn't complete.

Known for the controversial statements he makes often, Diyanet Head Ali Erbaş came under fire most recently for suggesting Quran courses be established within youth facilities ran by the government.