BTTÖB reacts to closure of eight minority schools
The President of the Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Union (BTTÖB), Aydın Ahmet, has criticized the decision to close eight Turkish minority primary schools ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year, saying the move damages the educational autonomy of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.
In a written statement, Ahmet said the closures were based on low student numbers and affected schools in the provinces of Meriç (Evros), Rodopi and İskeçe, including the Dimetoka Minority Primary School, Çepelli, Delinasufköy, Omurluköy, Hebilköy, Üntüren, Beyköy and Boyacılar Minority Primary Schools.
Calls for dialogue with minority representatives
Ahmet emphasized that the status of Turkish minority education in Western Thrace is protected by the Lausanne Peace Treaty, bilateral agreements between Türkiye and Greece, and international law.
He argued that closing minority schools based on student numbers or economic considerations contradicts the principles governing minority education. He also criticized authorities for making decisions without consultation with minority representatives.
Ahmet noted that the number of Turkish minority primary schools has fallen from 210 to 76 over the past 21 years, warning that previous assurances that temporarily closed schools could reopen if student numbers increased had not been reflected in practice.
Concerns over İskeçe school registrations
The BTTÖB president also addressed the recent developments concerning first-grade registrations at the İskeçe Central Turkish Minority Primary School, saying they were closely following the situation and awaiting an official explanation from authorities.
Ahmet said minority schools are part of the country’s cultural diversity and called for cooperation between the state and minority institutions to improve educational quality and meet modern education standards.
He urged members of the minority community to protect the future of minority education, stressing that preserving educational autonomy is vital for the future of the Western Thrace Turkish community.
