Turkey Imposes New Restrictions on Greek Minority Schools

Greece, Turkey introduce new rules for minority schools in controversial moves

Istanbul, Turkey—Turkey’s Education Ministry has introduced new regulations limiting activities and visits to Greek minority schools in Istanbul. This move mirrors a similar restriction imposed by Greece on Muslim minority schools in Western Thrace, Turkish Minute reported, citing the Greek Kathimerini newspaper, raising concerns about escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

The new guidelines require Turkish authorities to approve all events and activities at Greek minority schools that are not directly educational at least 15 days in advance. Only parents or Education Ministry officials are allowed to visit these schools; such visits also require prior approval.

This tit-for-tat policy, as reported by the Greek Kathimerini, is in response to similar measures enacted by Greek authorities against Muslim minority schools in Western Thrace. The operation of Greek and Muslim minority schools was governed by the 1923 Lausanne Treaty, which resulted in a population exchange between Greece and Turkey.

Both countries have accused each other of hindering the functioning of minority schools and pursuing policies aimed at assimilating students. The latest development comes amid recent efforts to ease tensions in bilateral relations and improve communication between the two NATO allies.