were criticised for selling banned products such as chocolate-covered wafer, cakes, and plastic toys which were designated to be unhealthy for children. Textbooks Although the government distributes free textbooks, there is a high demand for private textbooks due to the low quality of state-approved textbooks. The purchase of private textbooks is not obligatory, nevertheless, families feel compelled to buy them so that their children receive a better education. As of 2019, the total cost of private textbooks for a student can be about . The usage of private textbooks in schools is officially prohibited. See also Nation's schools References External links OECD Education Policy Outlook: Turkey Guide For International Students Ministry of National Education Population and Development Indicators, by the Turkish Statistical Institute, Prime Ministry of the Republic of Turkey (Turkish and English) National Education Statistics Formal Education 2012– 2013 Information on education in Turkey, OECD - Contains indicators and information about Turkey and how it compares to other OECD and non-OECD countries Diagram of Turkish education system, OECD - Using 1997 ISCED classification of programmes and typical ages. Also in Turkish Turkish Education: Same Old Religious Obsession, Only Worse Burak Bekdil, Gatestone Institute