Turkish teachers to wear ministry-branded white coats from September

The Turkish Ministry of National Education has issued a new order requiring teachers in education institutions under its authority to wear white coats—similar to those used by medical staff—beginning with the new school year in September.

According to the directive, the white coats will carry the ministry's logo and must be worn over teachers' civilian clothing as a mandatory part of their attire.

Purpose and scope of the rule

The measure is presented as an effort "to emphasize the authority and dignity of the teaching profession," and to prevent teachers from wearing overly casual or inappropriate clothing in schools.

The order explicitly states that employees in the education sector must dress in a manner befitting the dignity and representative function of their profession; the document was signed by Yusuf Tekin, the Minister of National Education.

The requirement takes effect at the start of the academic year in September and applies to all educational institutions that fall under the ministry's jurisdiction.

Photo: press material from the event