18 million students head back to school in Turkey

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - Nearly 18 million children headed to school in Turkey on Monday for the start of their second term in the academic year, bringing a spike in traffic volumes across the country.

Extra police were deployed as school buses and parents’ cars clogged streets, bringing added strain to already congested cities such as Istanbul.

Close to three million students at 5,771 schools across Istanbul began their new academic term.

Yusuf Tekin, undersecretary at the National Education Ministry, on his Twitter account wished all students a "successful" new term.

"Short vacation is over. Schools will rejoice. Our teachers are meeting their children, their students. I wish everyone a good and successful new term," Tekin added.

Students and teachers gathered to sing the national anthem before heading to classes.

Police also put on extra patrols around schools for pupils’ safety.

In four districts of southern Hatay province, including Reyhanli, Hassa, Kirikhan and Kumlu, the mid-break of schools was extended until Feb. 12 in accordance with an announcement from the governor's office.

Similarly in Kilis province, the mid-break at schools was extended for another week until Feb. 12.

Meanwhile, 56,000 children in northwest Edirne province returned to school on Monday.